Lord, when in Simon’s house of yore,
Thou with Thy friends didst sit at meat,
Mary the precious spikenard bore,
And poured it at Thy sacred feet.

Like incense sweet, the perfume rare,
Rose through the house, and sought the skies;
And Thou didst own with blessing there
A woman’s loving sacrifice.

So unto Thee, O Lord, this day,
A year of labor here we bring;
So at Thy feet the gift we lay;
Accept, O Lord, the offering.

Master, no offering costly and sweet,
May we, like Magdalene, lay at Thy feet;
Yet may love’s incense rise, sweeter than sacrifice,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Daily our lives would show weakness made strong,
Toilsome and gloomy ways brightened by song;
Some deeds of kindness done, some souls by patience won,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Some word of hope for hearts burdened with fears,
Some balm of peace for eyes blinded with tears,
Some dews of mercy shed, some wayward footsteps led,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Thus, in Thy service, Lord, till eventide
Closes the day of life may we abide;
And when earth’s labors cease, bid us depart in peace,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Once He came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if Thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But will trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

He who well endureth,
Bright reward secureth;
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us;
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in Heav’n we bless Thee.