Eternal Father

Eternal Father, who didst all create,
In whom we live and to whose bosom move,
To all men be thy name known which is love,
Till its loud praises sound at heaven’s high gate.
Perfect thy kingdom in our passing state,
That here on earth thou mayst as well approve
Our service as thou ownest theirs above
Whose joy we echo and in pain await.
Grant body and soul each day their daily bread:
And should in spite of grace fresh woe begin,
Even as our anger soon is past and dead,
Be thy remembrance mortal of our sin:
By thee in paths of peace thy sheep be led,
And in the vale of terror comforted.


Robert Bridges (1844-1930)
Sonnet No 69 from The Growth of Love