Sunday, November 3, 2013

40. All Saints Hymn

We bless You, Christ, for making blest
The saints at large and those at rest:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The faith You gave them made them well
And drew the fangs of death and hell:
Alleluia!

The poor in spirit You now give
A kingdom where the angels live:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
For You, who joined our poverty,
Possess all might and majesty:
Alleluia!

To those who mourn with broken heart
A pledge of comfort You impart:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
For You, who weep with those who grieve,
Will never us as orphans leave:
Alleluia!

Not to the bold, of shining worth,
But to the meek You pledge the earth:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
For You, who bore the Law's reproof,
Will not from sinners stand aloof:
Alleluia!

The rich You spurn, the beggar bless;
You feed the bread of righteousness—
Alleluia! Alleluia!—
Not to the just, his conscience stilled,
But him who hungers to be filled:
Alleluia!

To those who give with faithful love
You give the help of heav'n above:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
For You, in daring and in deed,
No gift withheld from men in need:
Alleluia!

To them who see with hearts made pure
A heav'nly vision You ensure:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
For none but You has seen God's face,
And those elected by Your grace:
Alleluia!

What greater honor could be won
Than to be called God's favored son?
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thus You, famed Son of God, increase
The fame of those who work for peace:
Alleluia!

And if for You we suffer ill,
Ours is the heav'nly kingdom still:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Strong saints of old that honor craved;
Lose what we may, we yet are saved:
Alleluia!

Though we, of all saints last and least,
Be pressed and cursed by man and Beast—
Alleluia! Alleluia!—
With joy we seek Your blessed rest,
And count You greatest, first, and best:
Alleluia!

Your truth and blessing, Father dear,
Are with Your Son not far, but near:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
So in the Spirit we lift high
Your Triune glory, aye and aye:
Alleluia!

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