O God, your goodness reaches wide,
As do the clouds above us.
You crown us with your perfect love,
You guide us and protect us.
O Lord, our rock, our shield, our friend,
Unto our thoughts and words attend
As now we pray before you.
O God, your power holds us up,
As does the earth below us.
You lift us in our troubled times
You strengthen and uphold us.
O Lord, our rock, our shield, our friend,
Unto our thoughts and words attend
As now we pray before you.
O God, your presence keeps us close,
As does the air around us.
You fold us in your loving arms,
You comfort and sustain us.
O Lord, our rock, our shield, our friend,
Unto our thoughts and words attend
As now we pray before you.
O God, your spirit gives us life,
As does the breath within us.
You formed us in our mother’s womb,
You grow us and transform us.
O Lord, our rock, our shield, our friend,
Unto our thoughts and words attend
As now we pray before you.
O God, your mercy gives us hope,
As does the view beyond us.
You fill us with your deepest peace,
Forever to watch o’er us.
O Lord, our rock, our shield, our friend,
Unto our thoughts and words attend
As now we pray before you.
First verse by Christian Gellert (1715 – 1769)
Extra verses by Jacqui Horton 2012