First Sunday in Lent

And dost Thou fast, and may I feast,
O Bread of Heav'n, on Thee,
One day in seven, from grief released.
Set by Thy mercy free?

And art Thou day by day distrest
With cares that round Thee close.
While I may in Thy blessed rest
One day in seven repose?

Heavy Thy self-imposed load.
Thy burden on me light;
The lonely desert Thine abode.
But mine Thy Garden bright.

Where I, beneath the Tree of Life,
May gather living food.
And, far removed from sin and strife.
Grow to be wise and good.

Thy forty days must all be spent
Ere thou, O Lord, canst prove
Thy Father's tender mercies, sent
By angel hands of love:

But weekly, in my time of need.
Thou com'st to comfort me.
And through my fast dost let me feed,
O Bread of Heaven, on Thee!

Thy Table in the wilderness
For my refreshment spread.
Thyself the food, and Thou to bless
And break the heavenly bread.

Lord, in these days of holy calm
I'll gather strength in prayer.
My sorrows soothe with Gilead's balm.
And lighten Lenten care;

fix pastures green my portion cast.
Beside the waters still.
My meat and drink, through all my fast.
To do my Father's will.