8,8,8,4 Lord, let us feel that Thou art near, And while we pray, in mercy hear; Crown with Thy love the opening year; -- Have mercy, Lord. Of Thy benignity, we pray, Thy gracious Spirit grant alway, Our strife and discord to allay; -- Have mercy, Lord. May peace our inmost soul possess, And in our lives our converse bless, With unaffected kindliness; -- Have mercy, Lord. Our sinful past we here repent, With tears our wayward course lament, Now, let Thy pardoning grace be sent; -- Have mercy, Lord. As seasons come, Good Lord, ordain That we the fruits of earth obtain, Send us the sunshine and the rain; -- Have mercy, Lord. With strength Thy Holy Church endue, The anger of her foes subdue, The offerings of Thy grace renew; -- Have mercy, Lord. |