218.  Our Prayer

1
Our heav’nly Father and our Friend,
Behold a cloud of incense rise;
The pray’rs of saints to heav’n ascend;
Hear thou thy humble children’s cries.

2
Regard our prayers for Zion’s peace;
Shed in our hearts thy love abroad;
Thy gifts abundantly increase;
Enlarge and fill us all, O God!

3
Before thy sheep, great Shepherd, go,
And guide into thy perfect will;
Cause us thy hallowed name to know;
The work of faith in us fulfil.

4
Help us to make our calling sure;
O let us all be saints indeed,
And pure, as thou thyself art pure,
Conformed in all things to our Head.

5
Take the dear purchase of thy blood,
Thy blood hath washed us white as snow;
Present us sanctified to God,
In us thy grace and glory show.