glory of these forty days

the glory of these forty days
we celebrate with songs of praise;
for christ, by whom all things were made,
himself has fasted and has prayed.

alone and fasting moses saw
the loving god who gave the law;
and to elijah, fasting, came
the steeds and chariots of flame.

so daniel trained his mystic sight,
delivered from the lions’ might;
and john, the bridegroom’s friend, became
the herald of messiah’s name.

then grant us, lord, like them to be
full oft in fast and prayer with thee;
our spirits strengthen with thy grace,
and give us joy to see thy face.

o father, son, and spirit blest,
to thee be every prayer addressed,
who art in threefold name adored,
from age to age, the only lord.