O Lord, my God! bow down Thine ear! Thou knowest all my need. O gracious Father, be Thou near! For I am poor indeed,— So weak, so erring in Thy sight, Thou only canst direct me right.
"Be merciful, O God, to me!" Daily aloud I cry; And lifting up my hands to Thee, On wings of faith I fly; For Thou, O God, art good and kind, And in Thy presence strength I find.
Thou art a shield! a shining sun, Lighting the darkest place! With-holding not from anyone Thy favor or Thy grace; Ruling in perfect equity, In grand and peerless majesty;
Plenteous in mercy, truth and love; Giving Thy grace to all; Willing Thy gracious power to prove, Whene'er Thy children call; Seeking each wanderer to win From the dark, thorny paths of sin.
We feel Thy presence everywhere, All-holy as Thou art! Thy never-failing love and care Are precious to each heart. O, may we worship and adore And glorify Thee evermore!
How rapturous the notes of praise Gushing from every tongue! Yet, far above the hymns we raise, The songs by angels sung; Their glorious theme, I know, will be A world from sin and sorrow free!
