Desiring to Praise God

Almighty author of my frame,
To thee my vital pow'rs belong;
Thy praise, (delightful, glorious theme!)
Demands my heart, my life, my tongue.

My heart, my life, my tongue are thine:
Oh be thy praise their blest employ!
But may my song with angels join?
Nor sacred awe forbid the joy?

Thy glories, the seraphic lyre
On all its strings attempts in vain;
Then how shall mortals dare aspire
In thought, to try th' unequal strain?

Yet the great Sov'reign of the skies
To mortals bends a gracious ear;
Nor the mean tribute will despise,
If offer'd with a heart sincere.

Great God, accept the humble praise,
And guide my heart, and guide my tongue.
While to thy name I trembling raise
The grateful, though unworthy song.