For William

Dear God we give you thanks and praise,

That you have kept us in your ways,

Not by our works or righteousness,

But only by your power and grace.

You heard our poor and humble cry

And did not leave your own to die,

But saved from sin and death and grave,

And gave him all the life You have.

Let others search for life on earth,

We find it in our second birth,

That makes us heirs of heav’n and You,

That keeps your mercies always new.

Give faith to those in pain and fear,

Whose loved ones are no longer here;

Turn now their hearts to trust Your Word,

That they are with Your Son, our Lord.

So with this hope our way is sure,

Through death your promise will endure,

And we can walk this vale of tears

Until the Son of Man appears.

Then with the trumpet of our joy

Our Lord will come and death destroy,

And bring us all, His spotless Bride,

To stand in glory at His side.

All glory be to Father, Son

And Holy Spirit, Three in One,

To whom his saints their voices raise

Their song of pure, eternal praise.