Dear Shepherd of Thy People, Hear

[157 words] Dear Shepherd of Thy people, hear;Thy presence now display;As Thou hast given a place for prayer,So give us hearts to pray. O Lord, our languid souls inspire,For here, we trust, thou art!Send down a coal of heav’nly fire,To warm each waiting heart. Show us some token of Thy love,Our fainting hope to raise;And pour Thy blessings from above,That we may render praise. Within these walls let holy peaceAnd love and concord dwell;Here give the troubled conscience ease,The wounded spirit heal. The feeling heart, the melting eye,The humble mind bestow;And shine upon us from on high,To make our graces grow! May we in faith receive Thy Word,In faith present our prayers;And, in the presence of our Lord,Unbosom all our cares. And may the Gospel’s joyful soundEnforced by mighty grace,Awaken many sinners round,To come and fill the place. John Newton1725-1807…