O perfect Love

if you do not hear the tune, click here.

for use in wedding setting (as it's written in Hymnal):

        O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,
        lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne,
        that theirs may be the love which knows no ending,
        whom thou forevermore dost join in one.

        O perfect Life, be thou their full assurance,
        of tender charity and steadfast faith,
        of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,
        with childlike trust that fears nor pain nor death.

        Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;
        grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife,
        and to life's day the glorious unknown morrow
        that dawns upon eternal love and life.

Or, for use in other worship setting (changing pronouns):

        O perfect Love, all human thought transcending,
        lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne,
        that ours may be the love which knows no ending,
        whom thou forevermore dost join in one.

        O perfect Life, be thou our full assurance,
        of tender charity and steadfast faith,
        of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance,
        with childlike trust that fears nor pain nor death.

        Grant us the joy which brightens earthly sorrow;
        grant us the peace which calms all earthly strife,
        and to life's day the glorious unknown morrow
        that dawns upon eternal love and life.

Words:  Dorothy F.B. Gurney, 1883, Supplement to Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1889
   Tune:  Joseph Barnby, Church Hymnary, 1898

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