Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty! I’m not much for poetry, but I was thumbing through Terry L. Johnson’s book “The Identity and Attributes of God” and a Reginald Heber’s hymn struck a chord with me.
Sure I’d heard the song before. But reading the words without the music made it seem like it was the first time I’d come across the hymn.
In my opinion, the best poems and hymns (and prayers) are those derived from Scripture. Here are a few verses on God’s holiness, followed by Heber’s hymn.
For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. Lev 11:45
Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: `You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. Lev 19:2
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” Isaiah 6:3
I am the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King. Isaiah 43:15
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Rev 4:8
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
See also The Incomparable Holiness of God
Sharing is caring!
