Tune: LEITOURGIA, written last night with the hymn itself.
Respecting neither offering’s smell,
Nor burning light, nor clanging bell:
Take pity on our hopeful fear;
By word and sacrament draw near
And tabernacle with us here.
As we in prayer and praise unite,
Let all our rev’rence, all our rite
Be pleasing in Your gracious sight;
Attentive ears and voices grant
Unto the words we say or chant,
Nor let them firm conviction want.
Before Your grave, majestic law
We quail, just God, in guilty awe.
Lest the accuser cry “Aha”
In haste our souls like wheat to sift,
Your gospel send on pinions swift,
That we clean hands and hearts might lift.
What we repeat and what is new
Lead us to draw alike from You,
Distinguishing the false from true:
Yet, knowing what we oft repeat
Is welded in with holy heat,
Let us account that doubly sweet.
What we receive from saints of old,
Help us with humble hearts to hold,
As we would cherish precious gold.
Their witness keep within our reach
Where they are faithful, apt to teach;
Thus each age ministers to each.
What we present as sacrifice
Accept as but Your due, O Christ,
Who once paid our redemption price.
Yet let us ever fix our view
Upon the purer gifts that You
Extend to us, each morning new.
Now, God, whose works of old attest
That what You give is always best,
Be active on this day of rest.
Redeem this time; this space defend,
Dear Father, Son and Spirit; send
Your light and peace, world without end.
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