MHB 873 – THOU gracious God, whose mercy lends

Methodist-Hymns-873

1:  THOU gracious God, whose mercy lends
The light of home, the smile of friends,
Our gathered flock Thine arms enfold
As in the peaceful days of old.

2:  Wilt thou not hear us while we raise
In sweet accord of solemn praise
The voices that have mingled long
In joyous flow of mirth and song?

3:  For all the blessings life has brought,
For all its sorrowing hours have taught,
For all we mourn, for all we keep,
The hands we clasp, the loved that sleep.

4:  The noon-tide sunshine of the past,
These brief, bright moments fading fast,
The stars that gild our darkening years,
The twilight ray from holier spheres.

5:  We thank thee, Father; let thy grace
Our loving circle still embrace,
Thy mercy shed its heavenly store,
Thy peace be with us evermore.