Christian Hymns ‎#189

189. Open now thy gates of beauty

1 Open now thy gates of beauty,
Zion, let me enter there,
Where my soul, in joyful duty,
Waits for Him who answers prayer;
O how blessed is this place,
Filled with solace, light, and grace.

2 Lord, my God, I come before Thee,
Do not hide Thy face from me;
Where we find Thee and adore Thee
There a heaven on earth must be.
To my heart, oh enter Thou,
Let it be Thy temple now.

3 Here Thy praise is gladly chanted,
Here Thy seed is duly sown:
Let my soul, where it is planted,
Bring forth precious sheaves alone,
So that all I hear may be
Fruitful unto life in me.

4 Thou my faith increase and quicken,
Let me keep Thy gift divine;
Howsoe'er temptations thicken,
May Thy Word forever shine
As my guiding star through life,
As my comfort in my strife.

5 Speak, O God, and I will hear Thee;
Let Thy will be done indeed;
May I undisturbed draw near Thee
While Thou dost Thy people feed;
Here the living waters flow,
Here is balm for all our woe.

Text Information

• First Line: Open now thy gates of beauty
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1898
• Topic: Worship: Opening; Faith: Increase of, prayed for
• Notes: B. Shmolck, 1724. Tr. Winkworth.

Tune Information

• Name: OPEN NOW THY GATES OF BEAUTY
• Composer: A. P. Berggreen
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7.
• Key: C Major
• Notes: Norwegian tune name: [Amen raade hver en Tunge.]