(illuminated capital) Before the morning’s toil begin, We thank Thee, Giver of all good, For needful health and strength to win, By daily labour, daily food. The seeing eye, the skilful hand, The powerful arm, are gifts from Thee; Thou for our comfort all hast planned, Used to Thy glory all should be. When Thou didst come to visit man, A lowly lot, O Lord, was Thine; In poverty Thy life began, Shall we at poverty repine? Thou who dost all our trials know, Thou who didst all our sorrows share, The comforts of Thy grace bestow, And make us rich in faith and prayer. Soon will the hours of toil be past, And calm repose at night be given; So life’s short day is closing fast, And sweet will be the rest of Heaven! |