John Newton 7,7,7,7 Prayer for a blessing. Now may fervent prayer arise Winged with faith, and pierce the skies; Fervent prayer shall bring us down Gracious answers from the throne. Bless, O LORD, the op'ning year To each soul assembled here; Clothe thy word with pow'r divine, Make us willing to be thine. Shepherd of thy blood-bought sheep! Teach the stony heart to weep; Let the blind have eyes to see, See themselves, and look on thee! Let the minds of all our youth Feel the force of sacred truth; While the gospel-call they hear May they learn to love and fear! Show them what their ways have been, Show them the desert of sin; Then thy dying love reveal, This shall melt a heart of steel. Where thou hast thy work begun, Give new strength the race to run; Scatter darkness, doubts and fears, Wipe away the mourners tears. Bless us all, both old and young; Call forth praise from every tongue; Let the whole assembly prove All thy pow'r, and all thy love! |