Hymnal and Order of Service ‎#181a

181a. Father, Merciful and Holy

1 Father, merciful and holy,
Thee tonight I praise and bless,
Who to labor true and lowly,
Grantest ever meet success;
Many a sin and many a woe,
Many a fierce and subtle foe
Hast Thou checked that once alarmed me,
So that naught today has harmed me.

2 Now the light, that nature gladdens,
And the pomp of day is gone,
And my heart is tired and saddens,
As the gloomy night comes on;
Ah, then with thy changeless light
Warm and cheer my heart to-night;
As the shadow round me gather,
Keep me close to Thee, my Father.

3 Though I have from Thee departed,
Now I seek Thy face again,
For Thy Son, the loving-hearted,
Made our peace through bitter pain.
Yes, far greater than our sin,
Though it still be strong within,
Is Thy love that fails us never,
Mercy that endures forever.

4 Though my weary eyes are closing,
And mhy senses fall asleep,
Still my soul, on Thee reposing,
Ever must it vigils keep.
Let my Spirit longingly
Always dram, my God, of Thee,
Firmly unto Thee e'er cleaving,
E'en in sleep Thy grace receiving.

5 Lord, the twilight now hath vanished,
Send Thy blessing on my sleep,
Every sin and terror banished,
Let my rest be calm and deep.
Soul and body, mind and health,
Wife and children, house and wealth,
Friend and foe, the sick, the stranger,
Keep Thou safe from harm and danger.

6 O Thou mighty God, now hearken
To the prayer Thy child hath made;
Jesus, while the night-hours darken,
Be Thou still my Hope, my Aid:
Holy Ghost, on Thee I call,
Friend and Comforter of all,
Hear my earnest prayer, oh, hear me!
Lord, Thou hearest, Thou art near me.

Text Information

• First Line: Father, merciful and holy
• Title: Father, Merciful and Holy
• Author: Johann Rist, 1607-1667 (1612)
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 7 7, 8 8.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1901
• Topic: Worship
• Notes: Modern Form

Tune Information

• Name: WERDE MUNTER, MEIN GEMÜTHE
• Composer: Johann Schop (1642)
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 7 7, 8 8.