166. O How Lovely Is the Morning

1. O how lovely is the morning,
If with God it has its start;
When thanksgiving is adorning
Each believer’s lips and heart;
As he after peaceful sleep,
While his Maker watch did keep,
Without care and without sorrow,
Wakes to meet the new-born morrow.

2. Let us now, the heavens viewing,
See the sun in glory bright
On the hills and valleys sowing,
And on meadows, life and light!
Brighter than the son doth shine,
Beams our Savior’s face divine;
Healing, peace, truth, grace, and favor,
Shine in clearness here forever!

3. Even as the springtime flowers
Grow beneath the sun’s warm rays,
So the Lord, by His own powers,
Makes us garlands for His praise;
He invites most lovingly:
“Little children, come to Me!”
All should truly know Him ever,
Call Him Brother, Lord and Savior!

4. And today He would attend us,
In our work walk at our side;
Faithfully He will defend us
And our hearts to wisdom guide.
So that nothing on this day
May becloud or mar the way,
Till at length His peace possessing,
We may rest beneath His blessing.

5. By His grace made sweet and easy,
We His teaching understand,
As He for the path of duty
Kindly gives a helping hand!
O how blest that child always,
Who with Christ begins each day,
Spirit, mind, and every motion
Hallows through the Lord’s devotion!

6. Come, then, Lord of life unending,
Join our circle graciously;
Let us, Thine assistance lending,
Not in vain Thy pupils be;
On our teacher look with grace,
Lord, and all Thy children bless;
That our work may grow in measure,
And in us Thou canst find pleasure!