Ancient and Modern ‎#471

471. We pray thee, heavenly Father

1 We pray thee, heavenly Father,
to hear us in thy love,
and pour upon thy children
the unction from above;
that so in love abiding,
from all defilement free,
we may in pureness offer
our Eucharist to thee.

2 Be thou our guide and helper,
O Jesus Christ, we pray;
so may we well approach thee,
if thou wilt be the Way:
thou, very Truth, hast promised
to help us in our strife,
food of the weary pilgrim,
eternal source of Life.

3 And thou, creator Spirit,
look on us, we are thine;
renew in us thy graces,
upon our darkness shine;
that, with thy benediction
upon our souls outpoured,
we may receive in gladness
the body of the Lord.

4 O Trinity of Persons,
O Unity most high,
on thee alone relying
thy servants would draw nigh:
unworthy in our weakness,
on thee our hope is stayed,
and blessed by thy forgiveness
we will not be afraid.

Text Information

• First Line: We pray thee, heavenly Father
• Author: Vincent Stuckey Stratton Coles (1845-1929)
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Matthew 26:27-28
  ;
  John 14:6
  ;
  John 15:9-10
• Topic: Blessing; Church Year: Trinity; Guidance; Holy Communion; Holy Spirit: Invocation of; Jesus: Names and images for; Pilgrimage; Prayer; Renewal; Unity

Tune Information

• Name: OFFERTORIUM
• Composer (melody, adapted from): Johann Michael Haydn (1737-1806)
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Key: D Major