O Word of God above

O Word of God above,
who fillest all in all,
hallow this house with thy sure love,
and bless our festival.

Here from the font is poured
the grace to cleanse our sin;
here the anointing of the Lord
confirms the soul within.

Here Christ to faithful hearts
his body gives for food;
the Lamb of God himself imparts
the chalice of his blood.

Here guilty souls that pine
may health and pardon win;
the Judge acquits, and grace divine
restores the dead in sin.

Yea, God enthroned on high
here also dwells to bless;
here trains adoring souls that sigh
his mansions to possess.

Against this holy home
rude tempests harmless beat,
and Satan's angels fiercely come
but to endure defeat.

All might, all praise be thine,
Father, co-equal Son,
and Spirit, bond of love divine,
while endless ages run.

Words: Charles Guiet (1601-1664);
trans. verse 1: Isaac Williams, 1837;
trans. verse 2: F.H. Murray, 1852, as altered by Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1904;
trans. verses 3-4: Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1861;
trans. verses 5-6: F.H. Murray, 1852;
trans. verse 7: F.H. Murray, 1852, as altered by Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1861;

For the version in The English Hymnal, click here

Music: St. Edmund, St. Helena (Mount Ephraim)

Meter: SM

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.