Poems (Hale)/Hymn

by Mary Whitwell Hale

For works with similar titles, see Hymn.

HYMN.

  We meet, a gathering band,
  Within these sacred walls,
Within Thy presence, Lord, to stand,
  Where mercy's sunlight falls.
With humble confidence we pray
Thy blessing on our future way.

  Here would we bend the knee,
  The earnest prayer to raise;
Here sing, Eternal One, to Thee,
  Our song of grateful praise:
Here would we own thy mighty power,
Thy guiding hand in every hour.

  Lord, Thou hast been our stay,
  Nor e'er withheld Thy care:
Though dangers hovered o'er our way,
  Thy arm of might was there.
Thy grace our wandering steps has led,
Thy love its ceaseless blessings shed.

  Lord! to the living spring,
  And to the pastures green,
Do Thou our feeble footsteps bring:
  Guide us in every scene.
Our Sun by day, our Shield at night,
Protect, illumine by Thy might.