1 Help us, O Lord, behold, we enter
Upon another year to-day:
In Thee our hopes and thoughts now center,
Renew our courage for the way:
New life, new strength, new happiness
We ask of Thee, oh, hear and bless.
2 May every plan and undertaking
This year be all begun with Thee,
When I am sleeping or am waking,
Still let me know Thou art with me;
Abroad do Thou my footsteps guide,
At home be ever at my side.
3 Be this a time of grace and pardon;
Thy rod I take with willing mind,
But suffer naught my heart to harden,
And let me now Thy mercy find;
In Thee alone, my God, I live,
Thou only canst my sins forgive.
4 And may this year to me be holy;
Thy grace so fill my every thought,
That all my life be pure and lowly
And truthful as a Christian's ought;
So make me, while yet dwelling here,
Faithful and blest from year to year.
5 Jesus, be with me and direct me;
Jesus, my plans and hopes inspire;
Jesus, from tempting thoughts protect me;
Jesus, be all my heart's desire;
Jesus, be in my thoughts all day,
Nor suffer me to fall away.
6 And grant, Lord, when the year is over,
That it for me in peace my close;
In all things care for me, and cover
My head in time of fear and woes;
So may I, when my years are gone,
Appear with joy before Thy trone.