We Thank Thee, Lord

203 We Thank Thee, Lord

1. We thank Thee, Lord, Thy paths of service lead
   To blazoned heights and down the slopes of need;
   They reach Thy throne, encompass land and sea,
   And he who journeys in them walks with Thee.

2. We’ve sought and found Thee in the secret place
   And marveled at the radiance of Thy face;
   But often in some far off Galilee
   Beheld Thee fairer yet while serving Thee.

3. We’ve felt Thy touch in sorrow’s darkened way
   Abound with love and solace for the day;
   And, ’neath the burdens there, Thy sovereignty,
   Has held our hearts enthralled while serving Thee.

4. We’ve seen Thy glory like a mantle spread
   O’er hill and dale in saffron flame and red;
   But in the eyes of men, redeemed and free,
   A splendor greater yet while serving Thee.
                         Calvin W. Laufer
                         The Methodist Hymnal 1964 edition

<idle musing>
Can't say as I remember ever singing this hymn, and it only occurs in 31 hymnals. The bio linked to above contains this interesting statement: "His books were popular in their time but today are seen as somewhat superficial." Hymnary.org adds a verse:

5. Show us the paths in which Thou wouldest lead
   To blazoned heights or down the slopes of need;
   For both alike encompass land and sea,
   And he who journeys in them walks with Thee.

</idle musing>