O Tender, Gracious Father

Verse 1

Thou tender, gracious Father, Who watches over me, How shall I ever praise Thee, How love and honor Thee? Thou guidest me with caution From every secret snare, And ’neath Thy wings a refuge I find in my despair.

Verse 2

With raiment, food and shelter, Whate’er my needs imply, For soul and body ever, Do Thou in grace supply. O Lord, I soon would perish If aught Thou should exclude; O could I love Thee better And prove my gratitude.

Verse 3

In childlike, true obedience Help me to do the right; May precious be Thy statutes, Thy yoke be pleasant light! And when some hardship threatens, A danger frightens me, May Thou in all my trials My present helper be.

Verse 4

Thy heart is all compassion, With love it overflows; Whate’er of ill betide me, Thou knowest, and my woes. Thou dost not sleep nor slumber, By night nor thru the days; Thine arms, almighty Father, Enfold all time and space.