How oft, instinct with warmth divine

Gott weiß, wie oft ich vor ihm stand

English text

 
How oft, instinct with warmth divine,
thy threshold have I trod!
How loved the courts,
whose walls enshrine the glory of my God!

O let me not, the vengeance share,
that waits the guilty tribe,
whose murderous hands each mischief dare,
and grasp the offered bribe.

But pour, O pour, while thus I thread,
the path by Thee prepared,
thy beams of mercy on my head,
and round me plant a guard.

Thou, Lord, my steps hast fixed aright,
and pleased shalt hear my tongue
with Israel's thankful sons unite
to form the festal song.