Before the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
This day the Lord of Hosts invites
Unto a costly feast
I will take care, and will prepare
To be a welcome guest
But who and what am I, O Lord
Unholy and unfit
To come within Thy doors
Or at Thy table to sit
Awake repentance, faith, and love
Awake, oh, every grace
To meet your Lord with one accord
In His most holy place
Worldly distraction stay behind
Below the mount abide
Cause no disturbance in my mind
To make my Savior chide
Oh come, my Lord, the time draws nigh
That I am to receive
Stand with my pardon sealed by
Persuade me to believe
Let not my Jesus now be strange
Nor hide Himself from me
But cause Thy face to shine upon
The soul that longs for thee
Come, blessed Spirit, from above
My soul do Thou inspire
To approach the table of the Lord
With fullness of desire
Oh, let our entertainment now
Be so exceeding sweet
That we may long to come again
And at Thy altar meet
William Burkitt
1650-1703
