Psalm 72 (Version 1, Part 1)

Great God, whose universal sway

The known and unknown worlds obey,

Now give the kingdom to thy Son,

Extend his power, exalt his throne.

Thy sceptre well becomes his hands,

All heaven submits to his commands;

His justice shall avenge the poor,

And pride and rage prevail no more.

With power he vindicates the just,

And treads th' oppressor in the dust;

His worship and his fear shall last

Till hours and years and time be past.

As rain on meadows newly mown

So shall he send his influence down;

His grace on fainting souls distils

Like heavenly dew on thirsty hills.

The heathen lands that lie beneath

The shades of overspreading death,

Revive at his first dawning light,

And deserts blossom at the sight.

The saints shall flourish in his days,

Drest in the robes of joy and praise;

Peace like a river from his throne

Shall flow to nations yet unknown.