MOnday in the first week of lent

Date:  March 7
Lectionary Link: https://www.lectionarypage.net/WeekdaysOfLent/TuesdayFirstWeek.html
Contributor: Barb Hovey
 
After singing in choir as many years as I have, it is a challenge to pick a favorite hymn. There are familiar hymns I have known since a child. There are beloved Christmas Carols. There are modern hymns with fascinating rhythms. There are majestic tunes with a gorgeous melody and a luscious harmony that makes my alto heart happy.
 
For my Lenten meditation, I would like to offer a hymn that I consider the cream of the crop. First, you have the hymn tune Slane, a fine example of a lilting Irish melody. Then you have the text “Lord of All Hopefulness”. I love the way the text bids the Lord’s protection from daybreak through noon and evening to settling in to sleep.
 
As we go through Lent, I wish you bliss, strength, love and peace.
  
Lord of All Hopefulness
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares can destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
 
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
 
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
 
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.