From the Valley of Vision
(I’ve updated it into American English)
Day and night are yours; they are also
mine from you —
the night to rid me of the cares of the day,
to refresh my weary body,
to renew my natural strength;
the day to summon me to new activities,
to give me opportunity to glorify you,
to serve my generation,
to acquire knowledge, holiness, eternal life.
But one day above all days is made especially
for your honor and my improvement;
The sabbath reminds me
of your rest from creation,
of the resurrection of my Savior,
of his entering into repose.
Your house is mine,
but I am unworthy to meet you there,
and am unfit for spiritual service.
When I enter it I come before you as a sinner,
condemned by conscience and your Word,
For I am still in the body and in the wilderness,
ignorant, weak, in danger,
and in need of your aid.
But encouraged by your all-sufficient grace
let me go to your house with a lively hope
of meeting you,
knowing that there you will come to me
and give me peace.
My soul is drawn out to you in longing desires
for your presence in the sanctuary, at the table,
where all are entertained on a feast of
good things;
Let me before the broken elements,
emblems of your dying love,
cry to you with broken heart for grace
and forgiveness.
I long for that blissful communion of your people
in your eternal house in the perfect kingdom;
These are they that follow the Lamb;
May I be of their company!