University of Virginia Library


225

GOD OF THE STARRY WORLDS ABOVE.

INVOCATION BEFORE THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH.

God of the starry worlds above!
God of Creation's goodly frame!
Glory, Thy robe; Thy nature, love,—
We rear this temple to Thy name.
Come, O Divine Shekinah, come!
God over all, here hold Thy state!
Dwell in this house,—Thy chosen home;
These earthly courts Thy presence wait.
Come, like the peaceful twilight hour;
Come, like the glowing noontide ray.
Come, blessing by Thy glorious power;
Thy light diffuse, Thy grace display.
Come, as the gentle rain distils
On new-mown fields, with quickening power;
Revive us, from the heavenly hills,
As dews revive the fainting flower.
And while our new hosannas here,
With grateful heart and voice, we raise,
Descend in glorious grace, and rear
A living temple to Thy praise.