O Lord God…I pray Thee, send me good speed this day.
Genesis 24:12
Words: Caroline L. Shacklock (1829–1887). Appeared in The Christian Church Hymnal, edited by Harvey R. Christie (Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing, 1906), number 337.
Music: Zarephath E. Hanks (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Hanks’ full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Shacklock,
They go to preach the blessèd word,
The army of the gracious Lord;
Against the hosts of death and sin,
A war to wage, a victory win.
Refrain
God speed them on, God speed them on
’Till fought the fight, the victory won;
’Till truth shall spread from shore to shore,
’Till death and sin shall be no more.
They leave the homes of early years,
They triumph o’er their human fears;
As soldiers of the cross they bear
His royal banner everywhere.
Refrain
While on they march, in toil and pain,
Without a thought of loss or gain,
In armor clad to meet the foe,
God speed them on the way they go.
Refrain