THOU Gracious Power, whose mercy lends <br />The light of home, the smile of friends, <br />Our gathered flock thine arms infold <br />As in the peaceful days of old. <br /> <br />Wilt thou not hear us while we raise, <br />In sweet accord of solemn praise, <br />The voices that have mingled long <br />In joyous flow of mirth and song? <br /> <br />For all the blessings life has brought, <br />For all its sorrowing hours have taught, <br />For all we mourn, for all we keep, <br />The hands we clasp, the loved that sleep; <br /> <br />The noontide sunshine of the past, <br />These brief, bright moments fading fast, <br />The stars that gild our darkening years, <br />The twilight ray from holier spheres; <br /> <br />We thank thee, Father! let thy grace <br />Our narrowing circle still embrace, <br />Thy mercy shed its heavenly store, <br />Thy peace be with us evermore!<br /><br />Oliver Wendell Holmes<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymn-for-the-class-meeting/
