Let the Light Stream In

O, let the light stream in,
The glorious light of day,
That o’er the face of nature sheds
A bright and genial ray;
We need its beams our steps to guide,
Ere daily toils begin,
Then open wide the door of prayer,
And let the light stream in.
Let the light stream in,
Let the light stream in,
Then open wide the door of prayer,
And let the light stream in.

O, let the light stream in,
The light of Gospel day,
That shineth through the righteousness
Of Christ, the Truth, the Way;
’Twill teach us how by faith in Him
Immortal souls to win,
Then open wide our willing hearts,
And let the light stream in.
Let the light stream in,
Let the light stream in,
Then open wide our willing hearts,
And let the light stream in.

O, let the light stream in
Where homes are dark and drear,
The light of God’s eternal love,
That conquers every fear;
Its gentle smile new joys may wake,
Where sorrow long hath been,
Then open wide the door of hope,
And let the light shine in.
Let the light stream in,
Let the light stream in,
Then open wide the door of hope,
And let the light stream in.

Author: Fanny Crosby

Year: 1887

Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby) wrote hundreds of hymns in the late 19th century, many with this style of simple, repetitive chorus and gospel-light imagery. This text matches her known output from the 1880s; alternate attributions are rare but some early gospel songbooks list it anonymously.