Friday, May 29, 2009

Power Song -By Francis Scott Key

I felt like singing tonight - got out the old Lutheran Hymnal- the one that had Watts' and Key's 'battle' hymns...This is one of my favorites:
BEFORE THE LORD WE BOW
Words: Francis Scott Key, 1832.
Music: “Darwall’s 148th,”


Before the Lord we bow, the God Who reigns above,
And rules the world below, boundless in power and love.
Our thanks we bring in joy and praise, our hearts we raise
To heaven’s high King.

The nation Thou hast blest may well Thy love declare,
From foes and fears at rest, protected by Thy care.
For this fair land, for this bright day, our thanks we pay,
Gifts of Thy hand.

May every mountain height, each vale and forest green,
Shine in Thy Word’s pure light, and its rich fruits be seen!
May every tongue be tuned to praise, and join to raise
A grateful song.

Earth, hear thy Maker’s voice, thy great Redeemer own;
Believe, obey, rejoice, and worship Him alone.
Cast down thy pride, thy sin deplore and bow before
The Crucified.

And when in power He comes, O may our native land,
From all its rending tombs, send forth a glorious band.
A countless throng, ever to sing to heaven’s high King
Salvation’s song.

Francis Scott Key Songs:


c-cs

3 comments:

Bryan said...

"Before the Lord we bow, the God Who reigns above..."

Amen.

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker" (Psalm 95:6.)

christian soldier said...

B-I knew you would appreciate Key's hymns...

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting Mr. Key's fine national hymn, "Before the Lord We Bow." (Your blog caught my eye because today is the 230th anniversary of his birth.

Likely it's little known outside your country, but it's nonspecific enough to be sung by Canadians too. I especially like his colourful description of the resurrection in the last stanza. God bless.