O Thou who makest souls to shine

With light from brighter worlds above,

And droppest glistening dew divine

On all who seek a Savior's love;

Do thou thy benediction give

On all who teach, on all who learn,

That so thy Church may holier live,

And every lamp more brightly burn.

Give those that teach pure hearts and wise,

Faith, hope, and love, all warmed by prayer:

Themselves first training for the skies,

They best will raise their people there.

Give those that learn the willing ear,

The spirit meek, the guileless mind;

Such gifts will make the lowliest here

Far better than a kingdom find.

O bless the shepherd, bless the sheep,

That guide and guided both be one,

One in the faithful watch they keep

Until this hurrying life be done.

If thus, good Lord, thy grace be given,

Our glory meets us ere we die;

Before we upward pass to heaven

We taste our immortality.

Amen.