237. Father, let us dedicate

Author: Lawrence Tuttiett (1825-97)

Father, let us dedicate
all this year to you,
for the service small or great
you would have us do;
not from sorrow, pain or care,
freedom dare we claim;
this alone shall be our prayer,
‘Glorify your name!’

2. Can a child presume to choose
where or how to live?
Can a father’s love refuse
all the best to give?
More you give us every day
than we dare to claim,
and our grateful voices say,
‘Glorify your name!’

3. If you call us to a cross
and its shadows come
turning all our gain to loss,
shrouding heart and home,
let us think how your dear Son
to his triumph came,
then through pain and tears pray on,
‘Glorify your name!’

4. If in mercy you prepare
joyful years ahead,
if through days serene and fair
peaceful paths we tread;
then, whatever life may bring,
let our lips proclaim
and our glad hearts ever sing,
‘Glorify your name!’