Help us, O Lord, behold we enter Upon another year to-day; In Thee our hopes and thoughts now centre, Renew our courage for the way: New life, new strength, new happiness, We ask of Thee,--oh hear and bless! | May every plan and undertaking This year be all begun with Thee, When I am sleeping or am waking, Still let me know Thou art with me; Abroad do Thou my footsteps guide, At home be ever at my side. | Be this a time of grace and pardon, Thy rod I take with willing mind, But suffer nought my heart to harden, Oh let me now Thy mercy find; In Thee alone, my God, I live, Thou only canst my sins forgive. | And may this year to me be holy, Thy grace so fill my ev'ry thought That all my life be pure and lowly And truthful, as a Christian's ought; So make me while yet dwelling here Pious and blest from year to year. | Jesus, be with me and direct me; Jesus, my plans and hopes inspire; Jesus, from tempting thoughts protect me; Jesus, be all my heart's desire; Jesus, be in my thoughts all day, Nor suffer me to fall away! | And grant, Lord, when the year is over, That it for me in peace may close; In all things care for me, and cover My head in time of fear and woes; So may I, when my years are gone, Appear with joy before Thy throne. | |