The Cyber Hymnal ‎#1467

1467. Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer

1. Father, hear the prayer we offer:
Nor for ease that prayer shall be,
But for strength, that we may ever
Live our lives courageously.

2. Not forever in green pastures
Do we ask our way to be,
But the steep and rugged pathway
May we tread rejoicingly.

3. Not forever by still waters
Would we idly, quiet stay;
But would smite the living fountains
From the rocks along our way.

4. Be our strength in hours of weakness,
In our wanderings be our Guide;
Through endeavor, failure, danger,
Father, be Thou at our side.

5. 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.

Text Information

• First Line: Father, hear the prayer we offer
• Title: Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer
• Author: Love M. Willis (1859)
• Meter: 87.87
• Language: English
• Source: Tiffany's Monthly Magazine, 1859 ; Hymns of the Spirit, by Samuel Longfellow & Samuel Johnson, 1864, where the text was modified considerably, probably by Longfellow
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: DAY BY DAY, Edmund S. Carter, 1874; OMNI DIE, in Corner's Gesangbuch, 1631; arranged by William S. Rockstro, 1906; STUTTGART, Christian F. Witt, 1715; adapted by Henry J. Gauntlett, 1805-1876

Tune Information

• Name: ST. SYLVESTER
• Composer: John Bacchus Dykes (1862)
• Meter: 87.87
• Incipit: 33332 34533 33332
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: Public Domain