Lord, in this vale of tears

1 Lord, in this vale of tears,
What various woes we feel!
Diseases, pains, and doubts, and fears,
Surround thy children still.

2 What dangers fill the road!
What storms, and tempests roar!
But we march onward to our God,
And trust his guardian pow'r.

3 No lasting comfort's found
Through this long wilderness:
But when we reach the heav'nly ground,
Pleasures shall never cease.

4 Support us in the way,
Lord! let our faith be strong;
Direct our footsteps, lest we stray,
And guard our souls along.

5 Death shall convey us home;
Thither our hearts aspire:
There no disease shall ever come,
But joy shall be entire.

Source: A Collection of Hymns and A Liturgy: for the use of Evangelical Lutheran Churches; to which are added prayers for families and individuals #470