1 O God, defender of the poor, have mercy when I pray: you listened to my prayer before Lord, hear my prayer today! 2 How long will people choose vain things, love empty words and wrong? They scorn to serve the King of kings O living God, how long? 3 The saints, O Lord, you set apart by grace to be your own: let sinners tremble, search their hearts, and bow before your throne. 4 While many pray that you will bless and bring them all they need, unless they long for holiness their prayers are vain indeed. 5 Your light, O Lord, let us receive, your face within us shine: for richer is the joy you give than all their corn and wine. 6 And even when I turn to sleep your blessings still increase, for you alone, O Lord, will keep your child in perfect peace.