What a blessing, what a priv’lege

What a blessing

what a priv’lege!

Called of God a royal priest

That this glorious

holy office

I should bear

though last and least.

All the building of the Body

On the priesthood doth depend;

Ever praying in the spirit

I this office would attend.

If I keep this royal calling

Under Thine authority

Priestly duty thus fulfilling

Then the church will builded be.

Now the church is but the priesthood;

Thus the priesthood formed we need;

When the priests are knit together

Then the church is built indeed.

Through the church’s degradation

Saints this office desolate;

Through the weakness of their spirits

Preaching doth predominate.

Most are leaning on the message

And the preaching emphasize

Yet neglect the priestly praying

And their spirits’ exercise.

Deal with me and make me balanced

As in preaching

so in prayer;

Leading others oft in praying

As Thy Word I too declare.

Only serving by our praying

Will our spirits mingled be;

Stressing prayer as much as preaching—

Thus the church is built for Thee.