Hymns for Today's Church (2nd ed.) ‎#360c

360c. Father, hear the prayer we offer

1 Father, hear the prayer we offer —
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

2 Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

3 Not for ever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

4 Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our guide;
through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be there at our side.

Text Information

• First Line: Father, hear the prayer we offer
• Author: Love M. Willis (1824-1908)
• Meter: 8 7 8 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Topic: Christ the Friend of Sinners; God's Church: Penitence and Prayer; Lent 3, The King and the Kingdom: Suffering; Pentecost 20: Endurance; Pentecost 9: The Whole Armour of God; The Election of God's People: Abraham

Tune Information

• Name: SUSSEX
• Adapter: R. Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
• Meter: 8 7 8 7
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: arr. © Oxford University Press
• Notes: Alternative tunes: GOTT WILL'S MACHEN (360a), MARCHING (360b)