Thirsting for God

1 O all that pass by, to Jesus draw near,
He utters a cry; ye sinners give ear!
From hell to retrieve you he spreads out his hands:
Now, now to receive you he graciously stands.

2 If any man thirst, and happy would be,
The vilest and worst may come unto me;
May drink of my spirit, (excepted is none,)
Lay claim to my merit, and take for his own;

3 Whoever receives the life-giving word,
In Jesus believes, his God and his Lord,
In him a pure river of life shall arise,
Shall in the belief spring up to the skies.

4 My God, and my Lord! thy call I obey
My soul on thy word of promise I stay:
Thy kind invitation I gladly embrace;
A thirst for salvation, salvation by grace.

5 O hasten the hour! send down from above
The spirit of power, of health, and of love;
Of filial fear, of knowledge and grace;
Of wisdom, of prayer, of joy, and of praise:

6 The spirit of faith, of faith in thy blood,
Which saves us from wrath, and brings us to God;
Removes the huge mountain of indwelling sin,
And opens the fountain, that washes us clean.

Source: A Pocket Hymn Book: designed as a constant companion for the pious, collected from various authors (9th ed.) #HI