[Verse 1]
At dawn I lace my boots beside the chapel door,
The old bell marks the hour, rain gathers on the floor.
I carry no crown, no claim to holy fame,
Only a promise to stand when the frightened call my name.
[Pre-Chorus]
When my hands begin to tremble,
When the road is hard to see,
I remember whose strength holds me,
And I rise to serve in peace.
[Chorus]
Give me courage, Lord, to answer,
Give me mercy as I stand.
Let me shield the weak and weary,
Keep compassion in my hand.
Not for glory, not for anger,
Not to take what isn't mine;
In Your strength I face the danger,
And entrust the end to Thine.
[Verse 2]
A mother waits behind the barricaded gate,
A child holds fast a lantern while the hours grow late.
I plant my feet between them and the coming flame,
And pray the heart I guard won't learn to love the blame.
[Pre-Chorus]
If the fear comes like a winter,
If the night will not release,
Be the steady breath within me,
Keep my purpose bound to peace.
[Chorus]
Give me courage, Lord, to answer,
Give me mercy as I stand.
Let me shield the weak and weary,
Keep compassion in my hand.
Not for glory, not for anger,
Not to take what isn't mine;
In Your strength I face the danger,
And entrust the end to Thine.
[Bridge]
Teach me when to hold the line,
Teach me when to lay arms down.
Guard my soul from hatred's hunger,
Keep the lost ones safely found.
If I fall, receive my breath;
If I live, let service be
The humble vow I carry home,
A life made useful, brave, and free.
[Final Chorus]
Give me courage, Lord, to answer,
Give me mercy as I stand.
Let me shield the weak and weary,
Keep compassion in my hand.
Not for glory, not for anger,
Not to take what isn't mine;
In Your strength I face the danger,
And entrust the end to Thine.
[Outro]
At dawn I leave the chapel door,
Your strength beside me evermore.