Father, Let Me Dedicate

Father, let me dedicate
All this year to Thee,
In whatever worldly state
Thou wilt have me be.
Not from sorrow, pain, or care,
Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer:
Glorify Thy name.

Can a child presume to choose
Where or how to live?
Can a Father’s love refuse
All the best to give?
More Thou givest ev'ry day
Than the best can claim;
Nor withholdest aught that may
Glorify Thy name.

If in mercy Thou wilt spare
Joys that yet are mine;
If on life, serene and fair,
Brighter rays may shine,
Let my glad heart, while it sings,
Thee in all proclaim;
And whate’er the future brings,
Glorify Thy name.

If Thou callest to the cross,
And its shadow come,
Turning all my gain to loss,
Shrouding heart and home:
Let me think how Thy dear Son
To His glory came,
And in deepest woe pray on,
"Glorify Thy name."