Before the earthly waters cleaved

Praise to you, O God, who gives
In Christ all spiritual blessing, lives
Within our hearts, and guides our feet
To where the Savior and sainted meet.

Before the earthly waters cleaved,
Your perfect plan, in heaven conceived,
Chose men for grace, for order called,
In Eden Adam and Eve installed.

For man was made the universe,
That he your glories might rehearse,
Open to you that inner space,
Enjoy your presence face to face.

In us you set the hot desire
For heaven to which we may retire,
The Lord’s return we, breathless, wait,
While knocking on Jerusalem’s gate.