The heavens cannot thee embrace

1 The heavens cannot Thee embrace,
Thou God of earth and sky and sea;
And yet, a Bethel is this place,
Though built by human hands for Thee.

2 Here Thou hast dwelt in all these years,
Here hath Thy presence been confessed;
Here Thou hast calmed our doubts and fears,
Here have our souls found peace and rest.

3 We thank Thee for the days of yore,
So rich in truth and love and grace;
And for the future we implore
Thy bounteous blessing on this place.

4 Here feed us with the bread of life
And let our prayers to Thee ascend;
Here armor us for every strife
And for each task new courage lend.

5 Thy holy Word and Sacrament,
Those sacred channels of Thy grace,
Preserve to us till life is spent
And we shall see Thee face to face.

Amen.

Source: American Lutheran Hymnal #520