Scripture Verse

Thou laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. Psalm 102:25

Introduction

Words: Will­iam C. Bry­ant, 1820.

Music: Dun­dee Scot­tish Psal­ter, 1615 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
William C. Bryant (1794–1878)

Lyrics

Thou, whose unmeasured temple stands,
Built over earth and sea,
Accept these walls that human hands
Have raised, O God, to Thee.

Lord, from Thine inmost glo­ry send,
Within these courts to bide,
The peace that dwelleth without end
Serenely by Thy side!

And let the Com­fort­er and Friend,
Thy Ho­ly Spi­rit, meet,
With those who here in worship bend
Before Thy mercy seat.

May they who err be guided here
To find the better way;
And they who mourn, and they who fear,
Be strengthened as they pray.

May faith grow firm, and love grow warm,
And pure devotion rise,
While round these hallowed walls the storm
Of earth born passion dies.