35 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, O 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 gifts divine; Whosoe'er temptations thicken, May Thy word forever shine As my guiding star through life, As my comfort in the 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.