3. Lord Holy Ghost, our thanks to Thee In this new year we render, For by Thy grace it is that we Enjoy Thy Word’s pure splendor; Thus Thou hast kindled from above Within our hearts true faith and love And other Christian virtues. 4. Our faithful God, we cry to Thee: Still bless us with Thy favor, Blot out all our iniquity, And hide our sins forever; Grant us a happy, good New Year And, when the hour of death draws near, A blest departure. Amen. C. Schneegass, † 1597; A. Crull, tr. 171 9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8 Help me, O Lord! Behold, I enter Upon another year to-day; In Thee my hopes and thoughts now center, Renew my courage for the way: New life, new strength, new happiness I ask of Thee, O hear and bless! 2. 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. 3. Be this a time of grace and pardon; Thy rod I take with willing mind, But suffer naught my heart to harden; O let me now Thy mercy find; In Thee alone, my God, I live, Thou only canst my sins forgive. 4. And may this year to me be holy; Thy grace so fill my every 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. 5. 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. J. Rist, 1642; C. Winkworth, tr. 172 C. M. O God, our Help in ages past, Our Hope for years to come, Our Shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal Home! 2. Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure. 3. Before the hills in order stood Or earth received her frame, From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same. 4. A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun. 5. Thy word commands our flesh to dust: “Return, ye sons of men!” All nations rose from earth at first And turn to earth again. 6. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.