1. Father! lead me out of darkness
By the Gospel’s holy call.
Lead me into life eternal—
Grant me ready strength for all:
Sinful longing and life’s trial
May they meet an armored heart;
Let Thy promise rest upon me,
So that mine, the better part.
2. Father! blinded by the earthlight
Do I cry for higher aid.
All I know that Thou art Father,
In Thy hand my life is laid.
Greater light I seek, my Father,
In the man-made chaos here.
I will meet the heat of battle,
But, oh, Father, be Thou near.
3. Father! bless Thy drifting children,
They who see not with their eyes;
They who seek for truth unchanging,
Pass the source, yet do despise.
May all evil, fiercely raging,
Lose its boasted pow’r on earth;
That the creature rise not higher
Than the God who gave it birth.
4. Father! all my heart I give Thee;
All my service shall be Thine.
Guide me as I search in weakness,
Let Thy living light be mine.
Hear me as I pray in meekness,
Let me strength be as the day.
Give me faith: the greater knowledge,
Father! bless me as I pray.