GREAT Shepherd of Thy people, hear; Thy presence now display; As Thou hast given a place for prayer, So give us hearts to pray.
Within these walls let holy peace And love and concord dwell; Here give the troubled conscience ease, The wounded spirit heal.
May we in faith receive Thy Word, In faith address our prayers; And in the presence of our Lord Unburden all our cares.
Some token show of Thy great love, Our fainting hearts to raise; And pour Thy blessing from above, That we may render praise.
The hearing ear, the seeing eye, The contrite heart bestow: And shine upon us from on high, That we in grace may grow.
And may the Gospel’s joyful sound, Enforced by mighty grace, Awaken many sinners round, To come and fill this place.
John ewton, 1725-1807