O Thou Whose Gracious Presence Blest

O Thou Whose gracious presence blest
The home at Bethany,
This shelter from the world’s unrest,
This home made ready for its Guest,
We dedicate to Thee.

When Thou didst pass the temple gate,
To pray beneath its dome,
It was Thy Father’s house, more great
Because by love made consecrate;
It was Thine only home.

We build an altar here, and pray
That Thou wilt show Thy face,
Dear Lord, if Thou wilt come to stay,
This home we consecrate today
Will be a holy place.