Beloved, through this coming year,
May the Lord Jehovah bless thee;
Keep His gracious presence near
Whatsoever trials press thee.
May the Father show His love,
As the Fountain of salvation,
And bestow thee from above
Everlasting consolation.
May the Son reveal His grace
In His interceding merit,
And uplift His lovely face,
Full of beauty, on thy spirit.
May the Holy Ghost impart,
In His rich and sweet communion,
Joy unfading to thy heart,
Flowing from eternal union.
May thy covenant-keeping God,
All in heaven and earth possessing,
Freely shed His love abroad,
Sealing thee an heir of blessing.
When the day is fair and bright,
May His goodness be thy treasure,
Walking on in Jesu’s might,
Pleased with all thy Father’s pleasure.
Should a cloud of anxious care
Cast its shade across the morrow,
He will give thee strength to bear,
Or will shine away the sorrow.
He who loves thy soul ensures
After dark a gracious dawning;
Sorrow for a night endures;
Joy returneth in the morning.
When thy path is hid from sight,
And the tempest rages o’er thee,
Christ can make the darkness light,
For He trod the way before thee.
Leaning on Him day by day,
May He yield thee safe protection;
And, throughout thy pilgrim way,
Grant thee His all-wise direction.
Then, though all around thee shake,
Thou art safe, abiding near Him;
He will never them forsake
Who are taught to love and fear Him.
In the pathway mark’d with blood,
Through life’s ever-changing story,
All shall work thy lasting good,
And secure Him all the glory.
W. Wileman