THE CHURCH
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

(87.87. D.) R. C. H. 603

by HESTER PERIAM HAWKINS, 1885

Heavenly father, Thou hast brought us
"Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord". Deut. 33:29
Heavenly father, Thou hast brought us
Safely to the present day,
Gently leading on our footsteps;
Watching o'er us all the way
Friend and Guide through life's long journey,
Grateful heart to Thee we bring;
But for love so true and changeless
How shall we fit praises sing?
Mercies new and never failing
Brightly shine though all the past,
Watchful care and loving kindness,
Always near from first to last,
Tender love, divine protection
Ever with us day and night;
Blessings more than we can number
Strew the path with golden light
Shadows deep have crossed our pathway
We have trembled in the storm;
Clouds have gathered round so darkly
That we could not see Thy form;
Yet Thy love hath never left us
In our griefs alone to be,
And the help each gave the other
Was the strength that came from Thee.
Many that we loved have left us,
Reaching first their journey's end;
Now they wait to give us welcome
Brother, sister, child and friend.
When at last our journey's over,
And we pass away from sight,
Father, take us through the darkness
Into everlasting light.