The Act of Consecration

Verse 1

O God, what offering shall I give To thee, the Lord of earth and skies? My spirit, soul and flesh receive, A holy, living sacrifice; Small as it is, ‘tis all my store, More shouldst thou have if I had more.

Verse 2

Now, O my God, thou hast my soul, No longer mine, but thine I am; Guard thou thine own, possess it whole, Cheer it with hope, with love inflame; Thou hast my spirit, there display Thy glory to the perfect day.

Verse 3

Thou hast my flesh, thy hallowed shrine, Devoted solely to thy will; Here let thy light for ever shine, This house still let thy presence fill; O Source of life, live, dwell and move In me, till all my life be love!

Verse 4

Send down thy likeness from above, And let this my adorning be; Clothe me with wisdom, patience, love, With lowliness and purity, Than gold and pearls more precious far, And brighter than the morning star.

Verse 5

Lord, arm me with thy Spirit’s might, Since I am called by thy great name; In thee let all my thoughts unite, Of all my works be thou the aim; Thy love attend me all my days, And my sole business be thy praise.