First Sunday in Lent

Jesus our Lord, who tempted wast
In all points like as we;
And didst achieve in that dread fight
Undoubted victory;

Behold Thy Spouse, a season laid
Beneath the tempter's power;
Led up into the wilderness
To wait her trying hour.

May she her forces ready make,
And gird her weapons fast;
And with the armor of her God
Stand fearless to the last.

Teach us, when, angered at our lot,
Our faithless souls repine,
Man liveth not by bread alone,
But every word divine.

When we would rush on danger's point,
And dare the lifted sword,
Speak in our ears the warning voice,
'Thou shalt not tempt the Lord.'

And when, deceived by pride or power,
Earth's idols we espouse,
Teach us that Thou art God alone,
And on us are Thy vows.

Thus shall we more than conquerors
With Thee pass through the strife;
And angels come and minister
Around the heirs of life.