Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 77

465. L. M. 6l. Bowring.

"Help thou my unbelief."

1 If listening, as I listen still, O G.o.d! to thine instructive word, In spite of all my spirit's will, Some whispering voice of doubt is heard,-- That voice spontaneous from the soul, Which nought can check and nought control;

2 If when most earnestly I pray For light, for aid, for strength from thee, Some struggling thoughts will force their way, And break my soul's serenity;-- If reason, thy best gift, will hold The sceptre only half controlled:--

3 Help and forgive! heaven's alphabet Hath many a word of mystery; I read not all thy record yet, Though perseveringly I try; But teach me, Lord! and none shall be More prompt, more pleased to learn of thee.

466. S. M. Herbert.

Doing all to the Glory of G.o.d.

1 Teach me, my G.o.d and King, In all things thee to see; And what I do in anything, To do it as for thee!

2 To scorn the senses' sway, While still to thee I tend; In all I do be thou the way,-- In all be thou the end.

3 All may of thee partake: Nothing so small can be, But draws, when acted for thy sake, Greatness and worth from thee.

4 If done beneath thy laws, Even servile labors s.h.i.+ne; Hallowed is toil, if this the cause, The meanest work divine.

467. 8s. 7s. & 4s. M. Oliver.

G.o.d the Pilgrim's Guide and Strength.

1 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this mortal land: I am weak, but thou art mighty; Hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more.

2 Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing streams do flow; Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through: Strong Deliverer, Be thou still my strength and s.h.i.+eld.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Bear me through the swelling current; Land me safe on Canaan's side: Songs of praises I will ever give to thee.

468. C. M. Wreford.

Prayer for Faith.

1 Lord! I believe; thy power I own, Thy word I would obey; I wander comfortless, and lone, When from thy truth I stray.

2 Lord! I believe; but gloomy fears Sometimes bedim my sight; I look to thee with prayers and tears, And cry for strength and light.

3 Lord! I believe; but oft, I know, My faith is cold and weak; Strengthen my weakness, and bestow The confidence I seek!

4 Yes, I believe; and only thou Canst give my soul relief; Lord! to thy truth my spirit bow, Help thou my unbelief!

469. S. M. Watts.

Safety in G.o.d.

1 When overwhelmed with grief, My heart within me dies; Helpless and far from all relief, To heaven I lift mine eyes.

2 O lead me to the rock That's high above my head; And make the covert of thy wings My shelter and my shade.

3 Within thy presence, Lord, I ever would abide; Thou art the tower of my defence, The refuge where I hide.

470. C. M. Montgomery.

Prayer for Grace in Trial.

1 Father of all our mercies, thou In whom we move and live, Hear us in heaven, thy dwelling, now, And answer, and forgive.

2 When, hara.s.sed by ten thousand foes, Our helplessness we feel, O, give the weary soul repose, The wounded spirit heal.

3 When dire temptations gather round And threaten or allure, By storm or calm, in thee be found A refuge strong and sure.

4 When age advances, may we grow In faith, in hope, and love, And walk in holiness below To holiness above.

5 When earthly joys and cares depart, Desire and envy cease, Be thou the portion of our heart,-- In thee may we have peace.

471. L. M. Roscoe.

The Solace of Faith.