Old Age Approaching, or Man Frail and Mortal

1 Eternal Sire, enthon'd on high!
Whom heav'nly hosts adore,
Who yet to suppliant dust art nigh:
Thy presence I implore.

2 Wilt thou forsake my hoary hairs,
And leave my fainting heart?
Who shall sustain my sinking years,
If God, my strength, depart?

3 O guide me down the steep of age,
And keep my passions cool;
Teach me to scan the sacred page,
And practise ev'ry rule.

4 Let me thy pow'r and truth proclaim
To the surviving age;
And leave a savour of thy name,
When I shall quit the stage.

5 That solemn day is hast'ning on;
My frame must soon decay.
My friends, my youth's companions gone,
Can I expect to stay?

6 My God! O smooth the mortal hour;
On thee my hope depends.
Support me with almighty pow'r
While dust to dust descends.

7 Then let my soul, O gracious God!
Ascend to realms of day;
And in that sacred blest abode
Its endless anthems pay.

Source: A Collection of Hymns and A Liturgy: for the use of Evangelical Lutheran Churches; to which are added prayers for families and individuals #455