Father, we bless the gentle care

That watches o’er us day by day,

That guards us from the tempter’s snare,

And guides us in the heavenward way:—

We bless Thee for the tender love

That mingles all our hearts in one,—

The music of the soul;—above

’Tis purer spirits’ unison.

Father, ’tis evening’s solemn hour,

And cast we now our cares on Thee;

Darkly the storm may round us lower,

Peace is within,—Christ makes us free;—

And when life’s toil and joy are o’er,

And evening gathers on its sky,

Our circle broke,—we sing no more,—

O, may we meet and sing on high.