Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Psalm 48 CLASSIC POEM: Glorious Things Of Thee Are Spoken John Newton Glorious things of thee are spoken, Holy city of our God; He whose word cannot be broken Formed thee for His own abode; On the Rock of Ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose? With salvation’s walls surrounded, Thou may’st smile at all thy foes. See the streams of living waters, Springing from eternal love, Well supply thy blessed members, And all fear of want remove; Who can faint, when such a river Ever flows their thirst t’ assuage? Grace which, like the Lord, the giver, Never fails from age to age. Blest constituents of Zion, Washed in the Redeemer’s blood; Jesus, whom their souls rely on, Makes them kings and priests to God. ’Tis His love His people raises Over self to reign as kings: And as priests, His worthy praises, Each his thankful offering brings. Savior, if of Zion’s city I, through grace, a member am, Let the world deride or pity— I will glory in Thy name. Fading is the worldling’s pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys and lasting treasure None but Zion’s members know. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Magnus Dominus Malcolm Guite SNIPPET: For heaven’s king has made the earth his home Not just the hill of Sion, but the whole Round world. Call him from anywhere, he’ll Come to you and make his dwelling. Hail Him in any language, he replies … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]