Christopher Wordsworth (1807–1885)

(Almsgiving)

O LORD of heaven, and earth, and sea,

To Thee all praise and glory be;

How shall we show our love to Thee,

Giver of all?

The golden sunshine, vernal air,

Sweet flowers and fruits Thy Love declare,

When harvests ripen, Thou art there,

Giver of all!

For peaceful homes, and healthful days,

For all the blessings Earth displays,

We owe Thee thankfulness and praise,

Giver of all!

Thou didst not spare Thine only Son,

But gav’st Him for a world undone,

And e’en that gift Thou dost outrun,

And give us all!

Thou giv’st the Spirit’s blessèd dower,

Spirit of life, and love, and power,

And dost His sevenfold graces shower

Upon us all.

For souls redeem’d, for sins forgiven,

For means of grace, and hopes of heaven,

Father, what can to Thee be given,

Who givest all?

We lose what on ourselves we spend,

We have as treasure without end

Whatever, Lord, to Thee we lend,

Who givest all.

Whatever, Lord, we lend to Thee,

Repaid a thousandfold will be;

Thus gladly will we give to Thee,

Giver of all;

To Thee, from whom we all derive

Our life, our gifts, our power to give;

O may we ever with Thee live,

We give Thee all!