Now may fervent prayer arise

Winged with faith, and pierce the skies;

Fervent 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!