Tuesday, September 19

A great new hymn

Last Sunday, St. Paul's resumed our monthly Evensong service, after taking a summer break. I just love this quiet, contemplative service that offers beautiful music, a homily, and Communion.

Our "chief musician" introduced a new hymn this week that hails from Britain, and I'm a big fan.

The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, is Ended
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
The darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.

We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.

As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.

The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.

So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.

I'm sorry you can't hear the soothing melody that these words dance to. In keeping with the Britain theme, I must say that it's really quite lovely.

Friends around the world, I prayed for you as I sang this song with tears in my eyes! How awesome to think of the sun never setting on the Church around the world; truly praises are being lifted up hour by hour to our Great King!

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