Desiring to Praise Worthily

Monarch of all, with lowly fear
To whom heaven's host their voices raise,
Even earth and dust Thy bounties share:
Let earth and dust attempt Thy praise.

Before Thy face, O Lord Most High,
Sinks all created glory down:
Yet be not wroth with me, that I,
Vile worm, draw near Thy awful throne.

Of all Thou the beginning art,
Of all things Thou alone the end:
On Thee still fix toy steadfast heart;
To Thee let all my actions tend.

Thou, Lord, art light; Thy native ray
No shade, no variation knows:
On my dark soul (ye clouds, away)
The brightness of Thy face disclose.

Thou, Lord, art love; from Thee pure love
Flows forth in unexhausted streams:
Let me its quickening influence prove,
Fill my whole heart with sacred flames.

Thou, Lord, art good, and Thou alone:
With eager hope, with warm desire,
Thee may I still my portion own,
To Thee in every thought aspire.

So shall my every power to Thee
In love, thanks, praise incessant rise;
Yea, my whole soul and flesh shall be
One holy, living sacrifice.

Lord God of armies, ceaseless praise
In heaven, Thy throne, to Thee is given:
Here, as in heaven, Thy Name we raise;
For where Thy presence shines is heaven.