See also a prayer based on this hymn.
- Now let us come and go
with singing and praying
to the Lord our life,
who has given us strength up to this point. - We journey to and fro and wander
from one year to the next,
we live and thrive
from the old to the new; - through so much fear and plagues,
through shivering and trembling,
through war and great horrors,
that cover the whole world. - For just like faithful mothers
in severe storms
here on earth, the little children
are diligently protected: - So also, at the very least,
God keeps his children
[safe] sitting on his lap
when distress and tribulation strike. - O Protector of our lives,
everything we do and make
is surely in vain
unless your eyes watch over. - Blessed is your faithfulness,
which is new each morning,
Praise be to your strong hands,
which mend our heartache. - We ask you, O Father, that you
remain of fountain of joy
in the midst of our sufferings
and the cross we bear. - Give me and all those
whose hearts yearn
for you and your favor,
a heart that is patient. - Close the gates of lament
and let streams of joy
flow over all the places
that have endured so much bloodshed. - Give your gentle blessing
to all of our ways,
and let the radiance of your grace
shine on both great and small. - Be a father for the abandoned,
counselor for the guilty,
gift for those without aid,
and a possession for the poor. - Be a gracious help to all who are sick
and give cheerful thoughts
to the afflicted souls
that are tormented with sadness. - And finally, most importantly of all,
fill us with your Spirit,
that he may adorn us with splendor
and lead us heavenward. - Grant all this,
O Life of my life,
to me and to the multitudes of Christians
this blessed new year.