To Thee, Our God, We Fly - #580 - Bishop How

"To Thee, Our God, We Fly"
by William W. How, 1823-1897

1. To Thee, our God, we fly
For mercy and for grace;
Oh, hear our lowly cry
And hide not Thou Thy face!
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

2. Arise, O Lord of hosts,
Be jealous for Thy name
And drive from out our coasts
The sins that put to shame.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

3. Thy best gifts from on high
In rich abundance pour
That we may magnify
And praise Thee more and more.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

4. The powers ordained by Thee
With heavenly wisdom bless;
May they Thy servants be
And rule in righteousness!
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

5. The Church of Thy dear Son
Inflame with love's pure fire;
Bind her once more in one
And life and truth inspire.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

6. The pastors of Thy fold
With grace and power endue
That, faithful, pure, and bold,
They may be pastors true.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

7. Oh, let us love Thy house
And sanctify Thy day,
Bring unto Thee our vows,
And loyal homage pay.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

8. Give peace, Lord, in our time;
Oh, let no foe draw nigh
Nor lawless deed of crime
Insult Thy majesty!
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

9. Though vile and worthless, still
Thy people, Lord, are we;
And for our God we will
None other have but Thee.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Hymn #580
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Exodus 34:6, 7
Author: William W. How, 1871
Composer: William Croft, 1709
Tune: "Croft's 136th"