Scripture Verse

The Lord…will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

Introduction

Words: Tho­mas B. Poll­ock, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1889.

Music: Li­ta­ny for Those at Sea, Part 2 Charles E. Ste­phens (1821–1891) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Ste­phens (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), or a bet­ter one of Poll­ock,

portrait
Thomas B. Pollock (1836–1896)

Lyrics

May Thy church our shelter be,
Ark in mercy built by Thee,
Refuge from the storms of life,
From the wearing toil and strife,
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

When temptations round us roll,
Threatening shipwreck to the soul,
Grant us faith and holy fear,
By Thy will our course to steer.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

Through the gloom of sorrow’s night,
Show Thy cheering, guiding light;
Waft us homeward, Lord, we pray,
Nearer Hea­ven, day by day.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

Bid the storms of passion cease,
Bid the power of love increase,
Bid each tossing doubt be still,
Bid us trust and do Thy will.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

Mark our course, and keep us true,
Till the haven fair we view,
Grant us on that peaceful shore
Home and friends for­ev­er­more.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.

Where there is no night or sea,
May we praise and worship Thee,
Glad because we are at rest,
In Thy presence with the blest.
Hear us, we beseech Thee.