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.

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.