God, Who Created Me

God

who cre­at­ed me nim­ble and light of limb

In three ele­ments free

to run

to ride

to swim;

Not when the sense is dim

but now from the heart of joy

I would re­mem­ber Him; take the thanks of a boy.

Jesu

King and Lord

whose are my foes to fight

Gird me with Thy sword

swift and sharp and bright.

Thee would I serve if I might

and con­quer if I can:

From day-dawn to night

take the strength of a man.

Spirit of love and truth

breath­ing in gross­er clay

The light and flame of youth

de­light of men in the fray

Wisdom in strength’s de­cay; from pain

strife

wrong to be free

This best gift I pray

take my spir­it to Thee.