Once more the light of day I see;
Lord, with it let me raise
My heart and voice in song to Thee
Of gratitude and praise.

The " busy bee " ere this hath gone
O'er many a bud and bell;
From flower to flower is humming on,
To store its waxen cell.

O may I like the bee still strive
Each moment to employ,
And store my mind, that richer hive,
With sweets that cannot cloy.

The skylark from its lowly nest
Hath soar'd into the sky,
And by its joyous song express'd
Unconscious praise on high.

My feeble voice and faltering tone
No tuneful tribute bring;
But Thou canst in my heart make known
What bird can never sing.

Instruct me, then, to lift my heart
To Thee in praise and prayer;
And love and gratitude impart
For every good I share:

For all the gifts Thy bounty sends,
For which so many pine;
For food and clothing, home and friends,
Since all these boons are Thine.

Thus let me, Lord, confess the debt
I owe Thee day by day;
Nor e'er at night or morn forget,
To Thee, O God, to pray!