Hymns, #848

The Church - Her Building

Eng/Kor:848  Chin:612  Span:363  Rus:-  Tag:848  Fra:-  Por:387

Lyrics:Witness Lee
Music:John R. Sweney
Meter:8.7.8.7.D.

Hymns using same tune:

#542, #1160

 
 1 

What a blessing, what a priv'lege!

Called of God a royal priest,

That this glorious, holy office

I should bear, though last and least.

 

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

 
 2 

If I keep this royal calling

Under Thine authority,

Priestly duty thus fulfilling,

Then the church will builded be.

 

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

 
 3 

Now the church is but the priesthood;

Thus the priesthood formed we need;

When the priests are knit together,

Then the church is built indeed.

 

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

 
 4 

Through the church's degradation,

Saints this office desolate;

Through the weakness of their spirits

Preaching doth predominate.

 

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

 
 5 

Most are leaning on the message

And the preaching emphasize,

Yet neglect the priestly praying

And their spirits' exercise.

 

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

 
 6 

Deal with me and make me balanced,

As in preaching, so in prayer;

Leading others oft in praying,

As Thy Word I too declare.

 

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

 
 7 

Only serving by our praying

Will our spirits mingled be;

Stressing prayer as much as preaching —

Thus the church is built for Thee.

 

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

 
Hymn #848