God of mercy, do thou never <br />From our offering turn away, <br />But command a blessing ever <br />On the memory of this day. <br /> <br /> <br />Light and peace do Thou ordain it; <br />O'er it be no shadow flung; <br />Let no deadly darkness stain it, <br />And no cloud be o'er it hung.[2] <br /> <br /> <br />May the song this people raises, <br />And its vows, to Thee addressed, <br />Mingle with the prayers and praises, <br />That Thou hearest from the blessed. <br /> <br /> <br />When the lips are cold, that sing Thee, <br />And the hearts that love Thee, dust, <br />Father, then our souls shall bring Thee <br />Holier love and firmer trust.<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hymns-for-ordination-and-installation-iii/
