O Lord, my life was known to Thee br Ere Thou had’st caused me yet to be, br Thy spirit ever dwells in me. br br Could I, cast down by Thee, have gained br A standing place, or, if restrained br By Thee, go forth with feet unchained? br br Hear me, Almighty, while I pray; br My thoughts are in Thy hand alway. br Be to my helplessness a stay! br br O may this hour Thy favour yield, br And may I tread life’s battle-field br Encompassed by Thy mercy’s shield. br br Wake me at dawn Thy name to bless, br And in Thy sanctuary’s recess br To praise and laud Thy holiness.