John Newton & William Cowper · 151 of 356
9. Now may fervent prayer arise
Hymn 9
Now may prayer arise Winged with faith, and pierce the skies; 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!