DEAR LORD AND FATHER OF MANKIND
Forgive our foolish ways
Reclothe us in our rightful mind
In purer lives Thy service find
In deeper reverence, praise
In deeper reverence, praise
In simple trust like theirs who heard
Beside the Syrian sea
The gracious calling of the Lord
Let us, like them, without a word
Rise up and follow Thee
Rise up and follow Thee
O sabbath rest by Galilee
O calm of hills above
Where Jesus knelt to share with Thee
The silence of eternity
Interpreted by love
Interpreted by love
With that deep hush subduing all
Our words and works that drown
The tender whisper of Thy call
As noiseless let Thy blessing fall
As fell Thy manna down
As fell Thy manna down
Drop Thy still dews of quietness
Till all our strivings cease
Take from our souls the strain and stress
And let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Thy peace
The beauty of Thy peace
Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire
Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire
O still small voice of calm
O still small voice of calm
Song Meaning
This hymn asks God for forgiveness, a sound mind, simple trust, deeper reverence, quietness, and freedom from strain. It longs to hear Christ’s gentle call above noisy words and restless effort.
Biblical Message
Mark 1:16–20 describes disciples rising to follow Jesus’ call; Psalm 46:10 calls God’s people to stillness; 1 Kings 19:11–12 portrays God’s quiet voice beyond wind, earthquake, and fire.
Reflection
Stillness is not escape from responsibility. Let quiet prayer clear the noise so that Christ’s call can shape an ordered, faithful life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of “Dear Lord and Father of mankind”?
This hymn asks God for forgiveness, a sound mind, simple trust, deeper reverence, quietness, and freedom from strain. It longs to hear Christ’s gentle call above noisy words and restless effort.
Which Bible passages connect with the song?
Mark 1:16–20 describes disciples rising to follow Jesus’ call; Psalm 46:10 calls God’s people to stillness; 1 Kings 19:11–12 portrays God’s quiet voice beyond wind, earthquake, and fire.
When can this song be used in worship?
It suits confession, quiet prayer, funerals, and reflective traditional worship.