Words: (1794-1888), alt.

Music: Can­on­bu­ry, adapt­ed from Nacht­stück, Opus 23, No. 4, by , 1839.

If you know when this hymn was writ­ten, or where to get a pho­to of Car­o­line Gil­man


Sweet hour of holy, thoughtful prayer,
Thy peace and calm may we improve,
And in God’s healing service share
The truths revealed by His dear love.

Lord, may Thy truth upon the heart
Now fall and dwell as heavenly dew,
And flowers of grace in freshness start
Where once the weeds of error grew.

May prayer now lift her sacred wings,
Contented with that aim alone
Which bears her to the King of kings,
And rests her at His sheltering throne.