1  The earth absorbs the soft, refreshing rain,

    And sends it back in flow'rs and fruits again;

    So we receive Thy life so rich and free,

    And live it out for joy and praise to Thee.

 2  The moon receives the sun's bright, golden light,

    And gives it forth to cheer the darksome night;

    So we receive the rays of light Divine,

    And with them on this darkened world we shine.

 3  'Tis by Thy love that I can love and bless

    The foes who seek to blast my happiness;

    Can e'en rejoice, when bearing wrong and shame,

    Thou deem'st me meet to suffer for Thy name.

 4  Naught but Thyself can satisfy my heart,

    Constrain my will from self and sin to part:

    In love so great Thou giv'st Thyself to me;

    That I may Thee express eternally.