1 WHILE yet the morn is breaking,
I thank my God once more,
Beneath whose care awaking
I find the night is o'er;
I thank Him that He calls me
To life and health anew;
I know, whate'er befalls me,
His care will still be true.
2 Guardian of Israel, hear me,
Watch o'er me through the day,
In all I do be near me:
For others too, I pray;
To Thee I would commend them,
Our Church, our school, our land,
Direct them and defend them,
When dangers are at hand.
3 O gracious Lord, direct us,
Thy doctrine pure defend,
From heresies protect us,
And for Thy Word contend,
That we may praise Thee ever,
O God, with one accord,
Saying: The Lord our Saviour
Be evermore adored!
4 O grant us peace and gladness,
Give us our daily bread,
Shield us from grief and sadness,
On us Thy blessings shed;
Grant that our whole behaviour
In truth and righteousness
May praise Thee, Lord our Saviour,
Whose holy name we bless.
5 And gently grant Thy blessing,
That we may do Thy will,
No more Thy ways transgressing,
Our proper task fulfill;
With Peter's full affiance
Let down our nets again;
If Thou art our Reliance,
Our toil will not be vain.
6 With craftiness unceasing
Strives Satan to restrain
What in Thy sight is pleasing,
And for Thy Church is gain;
Yet vain is his endeavor,
For Thou, O Christ our Lord,
Dost rule all things forever
By Thine almighty Word.
7 Thou art the Vine,--O nourish
The branches graft in Thee,
And let them grow and flourish
A fair and fruitful tree;
Thy Spirit pour within us,
And let His gifts of grace
To all good actions win us,
That best may show Thy praise.