Longing For Still Closer Communion

Verse 1

Thou Shepherd of Israel, and mine, The joy and desire of my heart, For closer communion I pine, I long to reside where thou art. The pastures I languish to find Where all who their shepherd obey Are fed, on thy bosom reclined, And screened from the heat of the day.

Verse 2

Ah! show me that happiest place, The place of thy people’s abode, Where saints in true happiness gaze And hang on a crucified God. Thy love for a sinner declare, Thy passion and death on the tree; My spirit to Calvary bear, To suffer and triumph with thee.

Verse 3

‘Tis there, with the lambs of thy flock, There only, I covet to rest, To lie at the foot of the rock, Or rise to be hid in thy breast. ‘Tis there I would always abide, And never a moment depart, Concealed in the cleft of thy side, Eternally held in thy heart.