Prayer Song

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O may a strain, like gentle rain

Author: Robert Lowry
Tune: [O may a strain like gentle rain]
Published in 2 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 O may a strain, like gentle rain
On dry and thirsty land,
True feeling start within this heart,
Unfruitful as the sand;
To lift my eyes above the skies,
And raise my humble prayer;
May every doubt be put to rout,
And vanquished every fear.

2 My mind, tho’ bent, my thoughts intent,
On swiftly fleeting joys,
Still from my heart may now depart
This love for earthly toys;
Too much of life in anxious strife
Has run to waste with me;
In thoughts sublime, the rest of time
May I devote to Thee.

3 When comes my end, O Savior, send,
A message of sweet peace;
When I depart, O give my heart
Assurance and release;
Then may I bound from this low ground,
To tread the starry way,
And on my sight break holy light
In Heaven’s unclouded day.

4 Now, O my soul! let love control
Thro’ life thy every thought;
By faith still see the things that be,
Reserved for those He bought;
Live on in hope, in widest scope
Survey the realms above;
Nor draw aside, but firm abide
In faith, and hope, and love.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #9772

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Author: Robert Lowry

Robert Lowry was born in Philadelphia, March 12, 1826. His fondness for music was exhibited in his earliest years. As a child he amused himself with the various musical instruments that came into his hands. At the age of seventeen he joined the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and soon became an active worker in the Sunday-school as teacher and chorister. At the age of twenty-two he gave himself to the work of the ministry, and entered upon a course of study at the University of Lewisburg, Pa. At the age of twenty-eight he was graduated with the highest honors of his class. In the same year of his graduation, he entered upon the work of the ministry. He served as pastor at West Chester, Pa., 1851-1858; in New York City, 1859-1861;… Go to person page >

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