With joy I heard my friends exclaim, Come, let us in God’s temple meet; Within thy gates, O Zion blest, Shall ever stand our willing feet. How beautiful doth Zion stand, A city built compact and fair; The people of the Lord unite With joy and praise to worship there. They come to learn the will of God, To pay their vows, His grace to own; For there is judgment’s royal seat, Messiah’s sure and lasting throne. For Zion’s peace let prayer be made; May all that love thee prosper well; Within thy walls let peace abide, And gladness with thy children dwell. For sake of friends and kindred dear, My heart’s desire is Zion’s peace; And for the house of God, the Lord, My loving care shall never cease.