Father most merciful! Glad in the dawning

1 Father most merciful! Glad in the dawning
All things awake to sing praises to thee;
Thou art the giver of joy in the morning,
Spreading thy sunlight o’er meadow and sea.

2 Bright birds soar up in the thin air to greet thee,
Sweet-scented blossoms look forth for thy face;
Thy children go out into daylight to meet thee,
Finding thy footprints in every new place.

3 Father most merciful, give for our guerdon
Joy in thy presence whate’er may befall,
Courage to fight, or to carry the burden,
Faith to be cheerful and quiet through all.

Source: Worship and Song. (Rev. ed.) #3