Scripture Verse

Hear my prayer, O God. Psalm 54:2

Introduction

portrait
John B. Dykes (1823–1876)

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:

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

Lyrics

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.