611. Memento, Domine

A paraphrase of Psalm 132, a Song of Ascents or pilgrimage hymn. It's the biggest one in the group (Pss. 120-134). Compared to other paraphrases in this set, I took more liberties with this one, stretching here and compressing there, and rearranging the thoughts in a more explicitly Christocentric manner. Tune: MAGDALEN by John Stainer, 1875 ("My hope is built on nothing less"). ART: David prepares to build God's house, an illustration of 1 Chronicles 22 from the Providence Lithograph Company, 1896, public domain.

Remember Lord, when David swore
That he would build Your house before
His own: and in return, his Son,
You vowed, would sit upon his throne.
From Bethlehem the tidings flew,
Wherefore we come to worship You.

Let us to Christ now go with haste,
The offered Victim touch and taste,
In flesh as our eternal Lord
To dwell with us has not abhorred.
His weakness now our ark of strength,
Let Israel shout for joy at length!

O Christ! We fall before Your feet,
Enthroned upon the mercy-seat.
Robe us in Your own righteousness,
Nor hide from us Your holy face.
As You once tabernacled here,
Encamp with us, our Savior dear!

Bless Zion, Lord, with holy food;
Provision her with all things good.
Let priests, in Your salvation clad,
And all Your saints shout and be glad.
Oh, lamps be lit! Oh, trumpet sound!
The Lord's Anointed One is crowned!