The Lord's Prayer, Paraphrased

Verse 1

Our Father, whose eternal sway The bright angelic hosts obey, O! lend a pitying ear; When on thy awful name we call, And at thy feet submissive fall, O! condescend to hear.

Verse 2

Far may thy glorious reign extend, May rebels to thy sceptre bend, And yield to sovereign love: May we take pleasure to fulfil The sacred dictates of thy will, As angels do above.

Verse 3

From thy kind hand each temporal good, Our raiment and our daily food, In rich abundance come: Lord, give us still a fresh supply, If thou withhold thy hand we die, And fill the silent tomb.

Verse 4

Pardon our sins, O GOD! that rise, And call for vengeance from the skies; And while we are forgiven, Grant that revenge may never rest, And malice harbor in that breast That feels the love of heaven.

Verse 5

Protect us in the dangerous hour, And from the wily tempter's power O! set our spirits free: And if temptation should assail, May might grace o'er all prevail, And lead our hearts to thee.

Verse 6

Thine is the power, to thee belongs The constant tribute of our songs, All glory to thy name: Let every creature join our lays, In one resounding act of praise, Thy wonders to proclaim.