"Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” 1 BOWED low in supplication, We come, O Lord, to Thee; Thy grace alone can save us; To Thee alone we flee. 2 We come for this our Parish Thy mercy to implore; On Church, and homes, and people, 3 Blot out our sins, O Father! Forgive the guilty past; 4 Wake up the slumbering conscience To listen to Thy call; The weak and wavering strengthen, 5 Our crying sin drive from us 6 O be Thy house, Lord, hallowed, 7 O bless and keep the faithful, And steadfast, meek, and pure. 8 With heavenly food supported, 9 Lord, banish strife and variance, And bind us all together In love to Thy dear Son. 10 O Father, bless our Parish, Until we see Thy face. HE voice that breathed o'er Eden, 4 Be present, awful Father, THE That earliest wedding day, The primal marriage blessing, It hath not passed away : 2 Still in the pure espousal Of Christian man and maid, The Holy Three are with us, The threefold grace is said, 3 For dower of blessed children, For love and faith's sweet sake, For high mysterious union Which nought on earth may break. To give away this bride, As Eve Thou gav'st to Adam Out of his own pierced side; 5 Be present, Son of Mary, To join their loving hands, 6 Be present, Holiest Spirit, 7 O spread Thy pure wing o'er them, 8 To cast their crowns before Thee In perfect sacrifice, Till to the home of gladness With Christ's own Bride they rise. "A threefold cord is not quickly broken." voice that breathed o'er Eden, | 4 Be present, awful Father, That earliest wedding day, The primal marriage blessing, It hath not passed away : 2 Still in the pure espousal Of Christian man and maid The Holy Three are with us, The threefold grace is said, 3 For dower of blessed children, For love and faith's sweet sake, Which nought on earth may break. To give away this bride, As Eve Thou gav'st to Adam Out of his own pierced side; 5 Be present, Son of Mary, 6 Be present, Holiest Spirit, To bless them as they kneel, As Thou for Christ, the Bridegroom, The heavenly spouse dost seal. 7 O spread Thy pure wing o'er them, When onward to Thine altar The hallowed path they trace, 8 To cast their crowns before Thee In perfect sacrifice, Till to the home of gladness With Christ's own Bride they rise. FATHER all creating, Whose wisdom, love, and power, First bound two lives together To-day to these Thy children 2 O Saviour, guest most bounteous Vouchsafe to-day Thy presence Transform to heavenly wine, 3 O Spirit of the Father, Breathe on them from above, 4 Except Thou build it, Father, |