4. Left to ourselves, we shall but stray; O lead us on the narrow way, With wisest counsel guide us And give us steadfastness that we May ever faithful prove to Thee Whatever woes betide us. Lord, now Heal Thou All hearts broken And betoken Thou art near us, Whom we trust to light and cheer us. 3. Thy heavenly strength sustain our heart That we may act the valiant part With Thee as our Reliance; Be Thou our Refuge and our Shield That we may never quit the field, But stand in bold defiance. Descend, Defend From all errors And earth’s terrors; Thy salvation Be our constant consolation. 6. O mighty Rock, O Source of Life, Let Thy dear Word, mid doubt and strife, Be so within us burning That we be faithful unto death, In Thy pure love and holy faith, From Thee true wisdom learning. Thy grace And peace On us shower; By Thy power Christ confessing, Let us win our Savior’s blessing. 7. O gentle Dew, from heaven now fall With power upon the hearts of all, Thy tender love instilling, That heart to heart more closely bound, In kindly deeds be fruitful found, The law of love fulfilling; Then, Lord, Discord Shall not grieve Thee; We receive Thee; Where Thou livest, Peace and love and joy Thou givest. 8. Grant that our days, while life shall last, In purest holiness be passed, Be Thou our Strength forever; Grant that our hearts henceforth be free From sinful lust and vanity, Which us from Thee must sever. Keep Thou Pure now From offenses Heart and senses. Blessed Spirit, Let us heavenly life inherit. Michael Schirmer, 1640; Stanza 2 anon., c. 1660. 248 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8 Send, O God, a gentle shower, For my heart is dry as sand; Father, bathe Thy drooping flower, Water Thou Thy thirsty land; Let Thy Holy Spirit’s boon O’er me from Thy heavenly throne Like abundant streams be flowing, Blessings on my heart bestowing. 2. By a human father, even Though he is by sin defiled, Only good gifts will be given Unto a beloved child; How much more dost Thou the same, For “Good Father” is Thy name! Thou wilt send to me Thy Spirit; Thy good gifts I shall inherit. 3. Jesus, who for my salvation To the Father didst ascend. Hear my earnest supplication, Unto me Thy Spirit send; Let the Comforter for aye Bide with me, my Strength and Stay, That in faith I may not waver, Steadfast in the truth forever.