Matins

For the dear love that kept us through the night,
     And gave our senses to sleep's gentle sway — 
For the new miracle of dawning light
     Flushing the east with prophecies of day, 
               We thank thee, O our God! 

For the fresh life that through our being flows
     With its full tide to strengthen and to bless — 
For calm, sweet thoughts, upspringing from repose 
     To bear to thee their song of thankfulness, 
               We praise thee, O our God!

Day uttereth speech to day, and night to night 
     Tells of thy power and glory. So would we,
Thy children, duly, with the morning light, 
     Or at still eve, upon the bended knee 
               Adore thee, O our God!

Thou knowest our needs, thy fullness will supply;
     Our blindness — let thy hand still lead us on. 
Till, visited by the dayspring from on high,
     Our prayer, one only, "Let thy will be done!" 
               We breathe to Thee, O God !