Lord in this hour of tempest dread,
Be Thou our stay!
While boisterous billows lift their head
Upon our way;
While angry clouds the sun obscure,
Be Thou our light!
And give us courage to endure
The night!
Deliver us from coward’s fear,
And craven’s wish for pleasure.
Help us defend what is most dear,
With love’s full measure,--
The Liberty our fathers won
Through storm and bloody fray,
The Liberty of Washington,
Of Lincoln, and of Clay!
Grant us to guard this heritage
For all mankind,
That when the world shall cease to rage,
It here may find
The gift of Heaven, beyond all price,
To show the way,
That through this awful sacrifice
May dawn a better day!
We know not what the year will bring
Of loss and sorrow;
But help us Thou in faith to sing
Of every morrow
As that of hope and victory,
And larger meed,
With trust that Thou wilt ever be
Our help in need!
Thus we will breast the darkest storm,
Since not alone,
And confident, Thou wilt perform,
At last enthrone,
Thy righteous acts among all men,
And tyrants overthrow;
Grant that this year’s recording pen
Such victories may know! Amen.