Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer

Words: Love M. Willis, in Tiffany’s Monthly Magazine, 1859. It appeared in Hymns of the Spirit, by Samuel Longfellow & Samuel Johnson, 1864, where the text was modified considerably, probably by Longfellow.

Music: St. Sylvester John B. Dykes, 1862 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

Day by Day Edmund S. Carter, 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc)
Omni Die in Corner’s Gesangbuch, 1631. Arranged by William S. Rockstro, 1906 (🔊 pdf nwc)
Stuttgart Christian F. Witt, 1715. Adapted by Henry J. Gauntlett (1805–1876) (🔊 pdf nwc)

If you know where to get a good photo of Willis (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),

Father, hear the prayer we offer:
Nor for ease that prayer shall be,
But for strength, that we may ever
Live our lives courageously.

Not forever in green pastures
Do we ask our way to be,
But the steep and rugged pathway
May we tread rejoicingly.

Not forever by still waters
Would we idly, quiet stay;
But would smite the living fountains
From the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
In our wanderings be our Guide;
Through endeavor, failure, danger,
Father, be Thou at our side.

Let our path be bright or dreary,
Storm or sunshine be our share;
May our souls in hope unweary
Make Thy work our ceaseless prayer.

Scripture Verse

Introduction

Lyrics