Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer

Father, hear the prayer we offer:

not for ease that prayer shall be,

but for strength, that we may ever

live our lives courageously.



Not for ever in green pastures

do we ask our way to be ;

but the steep and rugged pathway

may we tread rejoicingly.



Not forever by still waters

would we idly rest and 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,

Savior, be thou at our side.



Text: Love Maria Willis (1864)

Tune: SUSSEX 87.87