A Hymn of Prayer

I previously posted a jointly written stanza based upon the parable of the Persistent Widow from Luke 18:1-8. After giving it some thought, I decided that those lines would better fit a hymn specific to prayer. Following more prayers, meditation on the Word, and judicious use of a rhyming dictionary, I offer the following for comment, criticism, and — for those who so desire — use in corporate worship or private devotion. While I already suggested other possible tunes, I think it works well with Munich, the tune normally used with “O Word of God Incarnate.”

O Father, Look in Mercy
76 76 D
St. Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Suggested tune: Munich

1. O Father, look in mercy
   Upon us, poor and weak.
   You promise, Lord, to hear us
   As we Your blessing seek.
   We merit not Your favor,
   Yet still our prayers we frame,
   For us You pledge to answer
   Who ask in Jesus’ name.


2. For those who cease not asking,
   Who, like the widow, raise
   Bold prayers from hearts believing
   Through countless nights and days,
   Establish for them justice,
   Dear Lord, in mercy hear —
   And should our prayers e’er waver,
   Lead us to persevere.


3. Throughout our lives we bid You
   Our hearts to guide and own
   That we in faith might offer
   Bold prayers before Your throne.
   Lead us to seek Your pardon,
   To raise our thanks, to plead,
   To trustingly lay on You
   Our every care and need.


4. In safety keep us, Father,
   From evil on our way
   Until in heav’n we join You
   That last triumphal Day.
   Amen, amen! ’Tis certain
   You hear us through Your Son
   Who reigns, true God eternal,
   With You and Spirit One.

Stanza 2 © 2007 by Todd C. Riordan and Walter P. Snyder; stanzas 1, 3, and 4 © 2007 by Walter P. Snyder. Permission is granted to copy, save, reproduce, and otherwise use in unaltered form and with notice of copyright attached.

Please see the earlier post Prayer Without Ceasing for more on the Christian’s life of prayer.

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