THE eyes of ev'ry creature here below
Are fix'd on thee, whence all their blessings flow,
And earnestly expect, O Lord! their food
From thee, the Donor of each gift that's good.

Thy lib'ral hand for their relief is spre'd
Full wide, and ev'ry living thing is fed
With food, that suits their several natures here,
Throughout the various seasons of the year.

Then sanctify, O Lord! thy servants meat,
And ev'ry mess, and morsel, that we eat!
O sanctify at ev'ry meal the fare,
Which Thou alone dost for our use prepare!

And give us grace that we our notes may raise,
In ceaseless hymns to chant thy deathless praise,
For all thy goodness and endearing care,
In giving us each day such plenteous fare!