Longing after God; or The Love of God Better than Life

Great God, indulge my humble claim:

Be Thou my hope, my joy, my rest;

The glories that compose Thy name

Stand all engaged to make me blest.

Thou great and good, Thou just and wise,

Thou art my Father and my God;

And I am Thine by sacred ties,

Thy child and servant, bought with blood.

With heart and eyes, and lifted hands,

For Thee I long, for Thee I look,

As travellers in thirsty lands

Pant for the cooling water-brook.

E'en life itself, without Thy love,

No lasting pleasures can afford:

Yea, 'twould but a tiresome burden prove,

If I were banished from Thee, Lord.

I'll lift my hands, I'll raise my voice,

While I have breath to pray or praise;

This work shall make my heart rejoice

Throughout the remnant of my days.

Amen.