Common Praise ‎#416a

416a. Father, hear the prayer we offer

1 Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

2 Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

3 Not for ever by still waters
would we idly rest and 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 endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be thou at our side.

Text Information

• First Line: Father, hear the prayer we offer
• Author: Love Maria Willis, 1824-1908
• Meter: 87 87
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  1 Samuel 7:12
  ;
  Ephesians 3:14-16
  ;
  Exodus 17:5-6
  ;
  Isaiah 40:31
  ;
  Numbers 20:9-11
  ;
  Psalm 23:2
• Topic: Lent I: Year A; Proper 9: Year B

Tune Information

• Name: SUSSEX
• Adapter: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1948
• Meter: 87 87
• Key: G Major
• Source: English traditional melody
• Copyright: Adaptation © Oxford University Press, From "The English Hymnal"