Hymn: When Before Thy Throne We Kneel Poem by John Bowring

When before Thy throne we kneel,
Filled with awe and holy fear,
Teach us, O our God! to feel
All Thy sacred presence near.
Check each proud and wand'ring thought
When on Thy great name we call;
Man is nought-is less than nought:
Thou, our God, art all in all.


Weak, imperfect creatures, we
In this vale of darkness dwell;
Yet presume to look to Thee,
'Midst Thy light ineffable.
O forgive the praise that dares
Seek Thy heaven-exalted throne;
Bless our off'rings, hear our prayers,
Infinite and Holy One!