Father, Let Me Dedicate (EN 355)

1

Father, let me dedicate, all this year to Thee,

In whatever worldly state Thou wilt have me be:

Not from sorrow, pain or care, freedom dare I claim;

This alone shall be my prayer, glorify Thy Name.

2

Can a child presume to choose where or how to live?

Can a Father’s love refuse all the best to give?

More Thou givest every day than the best can claim

Nor withholdest aught that may glorify Thy Name.

3

If in mercy Thou wilt spare joys that yet are mine;

If on life, serene and fair, brighter rays may shine;

Let my glad heart, while it sings, Thee in all proclaim,

And, whate’er the future brings, glorify Thy Name.

4

If Thou callest to the cross, and its shadow come,

Turning all my gain to loss, shrouding heart and home;

Let me think how Thy dear Son to His glory came,

And in deepest woe pray on, “Glorify Thy Name.”

5

If we must in grief and loss Thy behest obey,

If beneath the shadowy cross liest our homeward way;

We will think what Thy dear Son once for us became,

And repeat till life is done, glorify Thy Name.