It is sometimes used at
weddings, because
the words have particular significance to a couple starting their lives
together - but it not limited to this.
It was written by American poet Love Maria Willis - neé Whitcomb (1824-1908), and first published as a poem in Tiffany's Monthly in 1859. It was picked up by several American hymn books, and moved into mainstream use. It is in several children's hymnbooks published in England, including the BBC's Complete Come and Praise.
With meter 8.7.8.7, tunes it has been set to include:
It was written by American poet Love Maria Willis - neé Whitcomb (1824-1908), and first published as a poem in Tiffany's Monthly in 1859. It was picked up by several American hymn books, and moved into mainstream use. It is in several children's hymnbooks published in England, including the BBC's Complete Come and Praise.
With meter 8.7.8.7, tunes it has been set to include:
- CARTER (Carter) by English composer Edmund S. Carter (1845-1923)
- SUSSEX (33321) - a traditional English tune, composer unknown
- ST. SYLVESTER (Dykes) by English minister and organist, John Bacchus Dykes (1823- 1876)
- GOTT WILL'S MARCHEN by Johann Ludwig Steiner (1723)
- STOCKWELL (Jones) by Darius E. Jones (1851)
Downloads
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Examples
Choir with light organ, TV show performance
Choir with organ, words on-screen
Choir with organ, professional recording
Singer with guitar
Choir with organ
Instrumental - organ
Lyrics
Father, hear the prayer we offer:
Not for ease that prayer shall be,
But for strength that we may ever
Live our lives courageously.
Not forever in green pastures
Do we ask our way to be;
But the steep and rugged pathway
May we tread rejoicingly.
Not forever by still waters
Would we idly rest and stay;
But would smite the living fountains
From the rocks along our way.
Be our strength in hours of weakness,
In our wanderings be our guide;
Through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be thou at our side.
Not for ease that prayer shall be,
But for strength that we may ever
Live our lives courageously.
Not forever in green pastures
Do we ask our way to be;
But the steep and rugged pathway
May we tread rejoicingly.
Not forever by still waters
Would we idly rest and stay;
But would smite the living fountains
From the rocks along our way.
Be our strength in hours of weakness,
In our wanderings be our guide;
Through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be thou at our side.
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