Bless, O Lord, each opening year

To the souls assembling here:

Clothe Thy word with power divine,

Make us willing to be Thine.

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 our whole assembly prove

All Thy power and all Thy love!