O Thou who makest souls to shine
With light from brighter worlds above,
And droppest glistening dew divine
On all who seek a Savior's love;

Do thou thy benediction give
On all who teach, on all who learn,
That so thy Church may holier live,
And every lamp more brightly burn.

Give those that teach pure hearts and wise,
Faith, hope, and love, all warmed by prayer:
Themselves first training for the skies,
They best will raise their people there.

Give those that learn the willing ear,
The spirit meek, the guileless mind;
Such gifts will make the lowliest here
Far better than a kingdom find.

O bless the shepherd, bless the sheep,
That guide and guided both be one,
One in the faithful watch they keep
Until this hurrying life be done.

If thus, good Lord, thy grace be given,
Our glory meets us ere we die;
Before we upward pass to heaven
We taste our immortality.

Amen.