Pleasant are thy courts above
In the land of light and love;
Pleasant are thy courts below,
In this land of sin and woe.
O! my spirit longs and faints
For the converse of Thy saints
For the brightness of Thy face
For thy fulness , God of grace!
Happy birds that sing and fly
Round thy altars, O most High!
Happier souls that find a rest
In a heavenly father's breast!
Like the wandering dove that found
No repose on earth around
They can to their ark repair
And enjoy it ever there.
Happy souls! Their praises flow
Even in this vale of woe;
Waters in the desert rise
Manna feeds them from the skies
On they go from strength to strength
Till they reach Thy throne at length.
At thy feet adoring fall,
Who hast led them safe through all.
Lord, be mine this prize to win;
Guide me through a world of sin;
Keep me by Thy saving grace
Give me at thy side a place.
Sun and Shield alike Thou art;
Guide and guard my erring heart;
Grace and glory flow from thee;
Shower, O shower them, Lord on me.