1  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.

 2  If I keep this royal calling

       Under Thine authority,

    Priestly duty thus fulfilling,

       Then the church will builded be.

 3  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.

 4  Through the church's degradation,

       Saints this office desolate;

    Through the weakness of their spirits

       Preaching doth predominate.

 5  Most are leaning on the message

       And the preaching emphasize,

    Yet neglect the priestly praying

       And their spirits' exercise.

 6  Deal with me and make me balanced,

       As in preaching, so in prayer;

    Leading others oft in praying,

       As Thy Word I too declare.

 7  Only serving by our praying

       Will our spirits mingled be;

    Stressing prayer as much as preaching —

       Thus the church is built for Thee.