203. O How Joyous Is the Hour

1. O how joyous is the hour...
When we, Lord, to Thee draw near,
To receive the Word of power
From Thy lips, so true and clear!
Let us, then, not listen vainly
To that Word of Life today.
O inscribe its message plainly,
Deep within our hearts, we pray.

2. At Thy feet we sit for learning, -
Speak to us, great Master, Thou!
For the saving wisdom yearning,
To Thy words we listen now.
Teach us, while on earth we're waiting,
To be more and more like Thee,
To redeem this time so fleeting
For a blest eternity!

3. Teach us how we may be fleeing
Ruin, by the power of grace,
Unto all things truly dying
That must shun Thy holy face;
That according to Thy pleasure
We may think and do and speak:
This is not a time of leisure,
For, a better land, we seek.

4. As for Thy disciples, Savior,
Open Thou our minds today;
Give us living knowledge ever;
Take the torch and lead the way!
Light of Light, that oft did brighten
Pathways dark and insecure, -
Light of Light, our hearts enlighten,
For in light we travel sure!

5. Pour upon our hearts the fervor
Of Thy love, O Lord, that we,
When we joy or when we suffer,
E'er may firmly cling to Thee!
May we find each burden easy
That Thou givest us to take,
And whatever does not please Thee
Teach us gladly to forsake.

6. May it be a power-giving
And a light-bestowing Word,
One that works with forces living
In us more and more, dear Lord!
Help us all Thou art revealing
Now to treasure in our hearts,
And let others know the healing
That Thy living Word imparts.