1. Father, hear the prayer we offer:
Not for ease that prayer shall be,
But for strength, that we may ever
Live our lives courageously.
2. Not for ever in green pastures
Do we ask our way to be:
But by steep and rugged pathways
Would we strive to climb to Thee.
3. Not for ever by still waters
Would we idly quiet stay:
But would smite the living fountains
From the rocks along our way.
4. Be our strength
in hours of weakness,
In our wonderings be out guide:
Through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be Thou at our side.
5. Let our path be bright or dreary,
Storm or sunshine be our share;
May our souls, in hope unweary,
Make Thy work our ceaseless prayer.
6. **alt verses
7. Not forever in green pastures
Do we ask our way to be,
But the steep and rugged pathway
May we tread rejoicingly.