SELECTION XIII
PRAYER IN BATTLE
Father, I call to Thee.
Roaring enshrouds me, the din of the battle,
Round me like lightning the leaping shots rattle.
Leader of battles, I call to Thee.
Father, Thou lead me.
Father, Thou lead me.
Lead me to victory, lead me to death;
Lord, at Thy pleasure I offer my breath.
Lord, as Thou wilt, so lead me.
God, I acknowledge Thee.
God, I acknowledge Thee.
So when the thunders of battle are breaking,
As when the leaves of the autumn are shaking,
Fountain of grace, I acknowledge Thee.
Father, Thou bless me.
Father, Thou bless me.
Into Thine hand I my being resign;
Thou didst bestow it—to take it be Thine.
Living and dying, O bless me.
Father, I honor Thee.
Father, I honor Thee.
Not for earth's riches unsheath we the sword;
'Tis our hearts we protect; 'tis Thy temples, O Lord;
So railing or conquering, I honor Thee.
To Thee, God, I yield me.
To thee, God, I yield me.
Round me when death's fiery tempest is rushing,
When from my veins the red currents are gushing,
To Thee, O my God, do I yield me.
Father, I call to Thee.
Theo. Körner.