O God of love eternal

1 O God of love eternal,
Be present here we pray,
Accept the gift we offer
This celebration day,
Make of this place your temple,
Let all who enter here
Be one with us in purpose,
Your love and joy to share.

2 Except you build the house, Lord,
Our work is all in vain,
Except your Spirit fill it
But blocks of stone remain;
But if our hearts are open
And you in power come down,
The glory of your presence
Will all our labours crown.

3 Here may the lost find refuge,
The striving saint find grace;
Let youth obey your calling
And children see your face;
May every word here spoken
Direct men to your throne,
And every note of music
Be for your praise alone.

4 Then sanctify, our Father,
This offering we have made,
Here let your Son be honoured,
Your Spirit be obeyed;
Our lives be cleansed for service
In Christ’s atoning blood,
And every true believer
Become the house of God.


Source: The Song Book of the Salvation Army #943