Desiring to praise God for the experience of his goodness

Verse 1

The loving kindness of the Lord, (Delightful theme!) demands my lays: Thou, worthy to be lov'd, ador'd, O teach my heart to sing thy praise!

Verse 2

In vain my heart with pleasure tries, My God, to count thy mercies o'er; So numerous and so bright they rise, I gaze, I wonder, I adore!

Verse 3

Yet, all the powers I have are thine, For thee, those powers I would employ; And dedicate to love divine, With humble gratitude and joy.

Verse 4

The sweet experience of thy grace Which animates my voice to sing; Incites my soul to seek thy face, And trust the shelter of thy wing.

Verse 5

Thy guardian wing alone can bless; I find repose and safety there; The kindest refuge of distress A sure relief in every care.

Verse 6

O let the wretched sons of woe To thee apply, on thee depend: And bid the drooping mourners know In thee a never-failing friend.

Verse 7

Could e'er one soul in deep distress That fled to thee for refuge say, "Indulgent mercy would not bless, and justice frown'd my hopes away?"

Verse 8

Ah no, a thousand thousand tongues Thy love and truth, adoring own, And offer their united songs With grateful joy before thy throne.

Verse 9

Not e'en those happy minds can trace, With all their powers renew'd, refin'd, The boundless glories of thy grace, O thou omnipotently kind!

Verse 10

Ah how shall these poor languid powers With frail mortality opprest, Display the grace my soul adored? How speak the transports of the blest?

Verse 11

Dear Lord, accept my heart's desire, Till death shall close these mortal days! Then bid me join the heavenly choir, And sing thy everlasting praise!