Seeking God

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My God, permit my tongue

Author: Isaac Watts
Tune: VIGIL (St. Alban's)
Published in 194 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

O Lord, permit my tongue
this joy, to call you mine;
and let my early cries prevail
to taste your love divine.
O Lord, permit my tongue
this joy, to call you mine.

Within your churches, Lord,
I long to find my place;
to see your power and glory there,
and feel your quickening grace.
Within your churches, Lord,
I long to find my place.

In wakeful hours of night
I call my God to mind;
I think, how wise your counsels are,
and all your dealings kind.
In wakeful hours of night
I call my God to mind.

The shadow of your wings
will shield me on my way.
I'll follow where my Father leads;
you guide me through each day.
The shadow of your wings
will shield me on my way.

Source: In Melody and Songs: hymns from the Psalm versions of Isaac Watts #24

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Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

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