O GOD, Who didst Thy will unfold In wondrous ways to saints of old, By dream, by oracle, or seer, Thou art the hearer, still, of prayer.
What though no answering voice is heard? Thine oracles—the written Word— Counsel and guidance still impart, Responsive to the seeking heart.
What though no more by dreams is shown That future things to God are known? Enough the promises reveal; Wisdom and love the rest conceal.
Faith asks no signal from the skies To show that prayers accepted rise; Our Priest is in the holy place, And answers from the throne of grace.
No need of prophets to inquire: The Sun is risen—the stars retire! The Comforter is come, and sheds His holy unction on our heads.
Lord, with this grace our hearts inspire; Answer our sacrifice by fire; And by Thy mighty acts declare Thou art the God Who hearest prayer.
Josiah Conder, 1789-1855