FATHER, HEAR THE PRAYER WE OFFER

"Hear my prayer, O God." Psalms 54:2

Words: Love Maria Willis (1824-1908); appeared in Tiffany's Monthly around 1856.
Music: "St. Sylvester," John Bacchus Dykes, 1862.

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 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.