the God of Abraham Praise: Sung Today at My Church

I love the melody for this hymn, and the words are satisfyingly grand and lofty as well, so I thought I would post it here in case anyone else enjoys hymnody as much as I do. The words are by Thomas Olivers (1725-1799), and the music was adapted from a traditional Hebrew melody called Leoni. Now, Maddy Prior does a much more upbeat rendition than the way we plod through it at my church, and I vastly prefer her arrangement, but I just played a song by her yesterday. That's why I'm posting the live version from this morning's service instead. Here are the words. Sadly, we don't sing all the verses, so I'll just include the ones we do sing. The God of Abraham praise, who reigns enthroned above; Ancient of everlasting days, and God of love; Jehovah, great I AM, by earth and heaven confessed: I bow and bless the sacred Name forever blessed.

The God of Abraham praise, at whose supreme command from earth we rise, and seek the joys at his right hand; we all on earth forsake, its wisdom, fame and power; and him our only portion make, our Shield and Tower.

There dwells the Lord, our King, the Lord, our Righteousness, triumphant o'er the world and sin, the Prince of Peace; on Zion's sacred height his kingdom he maintains, and, glorious with his saints in light, for ever reigns.

The whole triumphant host give thanks to God on high; "Hail, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" they ever cry; hail, Abraham's God and mine; I join the heavenly lays; all might and majesty are thine, and endless praise! #church #hymns #music