Another

I

Now may fervent prayer arise,
Wing’d with faith, and pierce the skies;
Fervent prayer shall bring us down
Gracious answers from the throne.

II

Bless, O Lord, the opening year
To each soul assembled here;
Clothe the word with power divine,
Make us willing to be thine.

III

Shepherd of thy blood-bought sheep!
Teach the stony heart to weep;
Let the blind have eyes to see,
See themselves and look on thee!

IV

Let the minds of all our youth
Feel the force of sacred truth;
While the gospel call we hear,
May they learn to love and fear.

V

Show them what their ways have been,
Show them the desert of sin;
Then thy dying love reveal,
This shall melt a heart of steel.

VI

Where thou hast thy work begun,
Give new strength the race to run;
Scatter darkness, doubts, and fears,
Wipe away the mourner’s tears.

VII

Bless us all, both old and young;
Call forth praise from every tongue;
Let the whole assembly prove
All thy power and all thy love.