HYMN S FOR THE HOURS AND THE WEEK. I. A Hymn for the Hours. IN SIX PARTS. 1. ON RISING. With limbs refreshed by needful sleep, On Thee our waking thoughts are bent, As yield deep shades to morning's light, With earnest cry we beg this day, That Thou wilt drive all sin away: defended by Thy power, So we, Will praise Thy name forevermore. 2. AT PRIME. While now the sun his course begins, We lift our prayers to Thee; Keep us this day from wonted sins, And from offences, free. Bridle our tongues with bonds of love, Lest sinful strife abound; Nor let our wandering vision rove, Lest earth our souls confound. Pure be each thought, and free from shame, Unknown be folly's sway: Make sparing food our flesh to tame, So when this opening day is past, Kept pure by prayer and holy fast, 3. AT THE THIRD HOUR. Now, HOLY GHOST, to Thee we pray, Bent be our spirits to Thy sway, And all Thy holy promptings done. Let lip, tongue, soul, and every part, Pour our most high confession forth; Let fire of Love light up each heart, And kindling spread o'er all the earth. 4. AT THE SIXTH HOUR. Mighty Ruler, GoD most true, Shining in the morn's first rays, Quench the flames of strife within, Shed Thy peace in every heart. 5. AT THE NINTH HOUR. Great GOD, o'er all things ever reigning, Yet moveless in Thyself remaining, Thou who dost give returning light, And orderest each succeeding night; Grant us such evening to life's day, As shall not sink in night away; Let holy death bring us the prize, Of life eternal in the skies. 6. AT COMPLINE. Thee, before the daylight dies, Great Creator, we implore! By Thy mercy hear our cries, Be our guard forevermore. Let no sinful dreams allure, No dread visions us affright; But with souls and bodies pure, GENERAL DOXOLOGY. Holy Father lend thine ear; Holy Spirit hear our cry; |