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Sermon Illustrations > Prayer > The House of Prayer Mark 11:17

The House of Prayer Mark 11:17


Olney Hymns, by William Cowper, from Cowper's Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York

Thy mansion is the Christian's heart,O Lord, Thy dwelling-place secure! Bid the unruly throng depart,And leave the consecrated door.

Devoted as it is to Thee,A thievish swarm frequents the place;They steal away my joys from me,And rob my Saviour of His praise.

There, too, a sharp designing tradeSin, Satan, and the World maintain;Nor cease to press me, and persuadeTo part with ease, and purchase pain.

I know them, and I hate their din;Am weary of the bustling crowd;But while their voice is heard within,I cannot serve Thee as I would.

Oh! for the joy Thy presence gives,What peace shall reign when Thou art there;Thy presence makes this den of thievesA calm delightful house of prayer.

And if Thou make Thy temple shine,Yet, self-abased, will I adore:The gold and silver are not mine;I give Thee what was Thine before.