399. PART 5.
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
1
Lord of life! upon thy bounty,
Daily, we for bread depend!
Great and tender are thy mercies;
Thou art an abiding friend!
Guard us hourly,
Till our mortal journies end.
2
Not to earthly bread confine us;
Better bread than this we need!
Source supreme of every blessing!
For the bread of life we plead!
May our spirits
On this hidden manna feed!
3
We, too long, with fruitless labour,
Have pursued the chaff of earth!
We the vain desire have cherish'd,
Heedless of our lofty birth!
Objects prizing,
Deem'd, by wisdom, nothing worth!
4
Bursting from our strong delusions,
Now we joys superior seek:
In creation's face around us,
May we hear our Father speak;
And, obedient,
Listen with the spirit meek.
5
'Tis thy shower the earth that waters!
'Tis thy sun that warms and cheers!
'Tis alone thy fruitful blessing,
That with mercy crowns our years!
Fount of goodness!
May we thank thee, through our tears!
6
But a clearer voice directs us;
In thy word, thy will we see:
Here is light, all else is darkness,
May that light our guidance be!
In our journey,
Through life's wilderness to thee!
7
Here on earth, thy bread upholds us,
But surpassing visions rise;
Bread of heaven we hope to feast on,
Through the one great sacrifice!
Safe in glory,
When the world in ruin lies.
