The New English Hymnal ‎#311

311. 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 All that we have we offer,
For it is all thine own,
All gifts, by thine appointment,
In bread and cup are shown;
One thing alone we bring not,
The wilfulness of sin,
And all we bring is nothing
Save that which is within.

3 Within the pure oblation,
Beneath the outward sign,
By that his operation,--
The Holy Ghost divine,--
Lies hid the sacred body,
Lies hid the precious blood,
Once slain, now ever glorious,
Of Christ our Lord and God.

4 Wherefore, though all unworthy
To offer sacrifice,
We pray that this our duty
Be pleasing in thine eyes;
For praise, and thanks and worship,
For mercy and for aid,
The catholic oblation
Of Jesus Christ is made.

Text Information

• First Line: We pray thee, heavenly Father
• Author: V. Stuckey. S. Coles, 1845-1929
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Sacraments and Other Rites: Holy Communion

Tune Information

• Name: MEIRIONYDD
• Composer: W. Lloyd, 1785-1852
• Meter: 76 76 D
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Later form of melody by Lloyd