EARLY, my God, without delay, I come to seek Thy face; My thirsty spirit faints away Without Thy cheering grace.
So travellers in the desert sand Beneath a burning sky, Long for a cooling stream at hand, Lest they should faint and die.
Thy glory, I have seen, and power, Within Thy temple shine; O Lord, repeat that heavenly hour, That blessing so divine.
Not all the pleasures of a feast Could please my soul so well, As when Thy richer grace I taste, And in Thy presence dwell.
Not life itself, with all her joys, Can my best feelings move; Or raise so high my cheerful voice, As Thy forgiving love.
Thus, till my last expiring day, I’ll bless my God and King; Lift my exulting heart to pray, My fervent voice to sing.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748