Help Us, O Lord! Behold, We Enter

Help us, O Lord! Behold, we enter Upon another year today; In Thee our hopes and thoughts now center, Renew our courage for the way. New life, new strength, new happiness, We ask of Thee, -- oh, hear and bless! 4. 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. 8. Be this a time of grace and pardon. Thy rod I take with willing mind, But suffer naught my heart to harden; Oh, let me then Thy mercy find! In Thee alone, my God, I live; Thou only canst nay sins forgive.

13. 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. 15. 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. 16. 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.