During a thunderstorm

DURING A THUNDERSTORM

Most high, who came so many a time
down onto earth in flames and fire,
on chariots of lightning, down from heaven’s dome,
yet always bore Your servant home,

we watch the steep cloud, suddenly,
collapse into a whirling eddy,
float up in mists, as if, indeed,
it were Your stamping steed.

Remember all Your creatures here;
let not the harvest of this year
be crushed, when You decree Your bands
of hail to lash the farming-lands.

Oh, that our eyes might see Your wonder!
Protect us from the flash and thunder!
Our house, our blood, ourselves,
don’t let the cruel fire overwhelm.

Oh Lord, You know how much we cling
to paltry life, whatever it may bring.
But will You take it all together;
‘t be Yours, amen, the less good and the better.