Sing we the praises of the great forerunner

Sing we the praises of the great forerunner,
tell forth the mighty wonders of his story:
so may his Master cleanse our lips and make them
fit to extol him.

Lo, God's high herald, swift from heaven descending,
gives to thy father tidings of thy coming,
telling thy name and all the tale of marvels
that shall befall thee.

Oft had the prophets in the time before thee
spoken in vision of the Daystar's coming;
but when he came, 'twas thou that didst proclaim him
Savior of all men.

Words: Paul the Deacon (730-799);
Trans. C. S. Phillips (1883-1949)
Words © 1932 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
For permission to reproduce this hymn in all territories except the UK, contact:
Hope Publishing Company, www.hopepublishing.com
In the UK, contact: Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd.,
St. Mary's Works, St. Mary's Plain, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 3BH England

Music: Ut queant laxis, Lobet den Herren

Meter: 11 11 11 5

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.