God of Our Fathers

God of Our Fathers

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand

Leads forth in beauty all the starry band

Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies:

Our grateful songs before your throne arise.

Your love divine has led us in the past;

In this free land by you our lot is cast;

Oh, be our ruler, guardian, guide, and stay;

Your Word our law, your paths our chosen way.

From war's alarms, from deadly pestilence,

Make your strong arm our every sure defense.

Your true religion in our hearts increase;

Your bounteous goodness, nourish us in peace.

Refresh your people on their toilsome way;

Lead us from night to never-ending day;

Fill all our lives with heav'n-born love and grace

Until at last we meet before your face.