Our thanks and praise to Thee be given

1 Our thanks and praise to Thee be given,
Thou Lord of earth and Lord of heaven,
For countless hosts of angels bright,
That serve Thy Son in cloudless light.

2 Pure in their nature, good, and true,
'Tis their delight Thy will to do;
From heaven they come the souls to guard
That trust in Thy most holy word.

3 They joy when but one sinner turns;
Their zeal for Jesus ever burns;
They serve His people night and day,
And turn full many an ill away.

4 All little ones, awake, asleep,
And every child of thine, they keep;
O'er all thy kingdom, far and near,
They give their kind and loving care.

5 When death approaches, then they come,
To soften pain, and guide us home;
And when the spirit leaves the clay,
To waft us to the realms of day.

6 Give us, O Lord, the grace and power
To serve Thee well each day and hour;
Grant us the seal and fervent love
To serve as angels serve above.

7 Let these good spirits with us be,
When in Thy house we worship Thee;
And bid them all our path defend
Till this our life on earth shall end.

Source: The Lutheran Hymnary #24