Another (Now may fervent prayer arise)

Now may fervent prayer arise, Wing’d with faith, and pierce the skies; Fervent prayer shall bring us down Gracious answers from the throne.

Bless, O Lord, the opening year To each soul assembled here; Clothe the word with power 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 we 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 mourner’s tears.

Bless us all, both old and young; Call forth praise from every tongue; Let the whole assembly prove All thy power and all thy love.