Prayer for a Blessing (Book II, Hymn 9)

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!