The hymn, Holy, Holy, Holy grabbed my attention this week,
Last Sunday I led the liturgy and shared the children’s sermon. As the service began, to be honest I was preoccupied. If God called to me, He would have gotten a busy signal. “Sorry the party you are trying to reach is unavailable.” Not quite the way to enter worship, is it?
But then we sang.
Our opening song was the traditional hymn, Holy, Holy, Holy.I was fiddling with the wireless mic, so just mouthed the first set of lyrics.
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, blessèd Trinity!
Second verse same as the first (yes Herman Hermits fans – some of you will understand that little joke)
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 was, and is, and evermore shall be.
The next set of words not only invited me to enter into God but lifted me and carried me into God’s arms:
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 power, in love, and purity.
With a relaxed smile on my face and in my heart, I sang to my fullest the last verse, humbly worshipping our awesome God.
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, blessèd Trinity!
Holy Holy Holy Connections
Music connects us with God. Last Sunday the words captured my attention and redirected my heart. Though we can’t see God in darkness and when our sin blinds our eyes, He is and only He is holy. There is no one else like him, “perfect in power, in love and purity.”
This song celebrates God’s powerful presence. And every once in a while we catch a glimpse of His glory – I did last Sunday.
Do you have a story when music swept you into the presence of God?
What a wonderful memory. This really gives me hope we can honor Sabbath while we travel. Thanks for sharing. You made my day!
A few years ago, our travels put us out on the road over the Easter weekend. It didn’t seem much like the beloved holiday that we were used to. Away from much of the family, we stopped for lunch in Beckley, WV and decided to see if their coal mine tour was running ( I thought,hardly on Easter Sunday) Surprisingly it was, and the staff was kind and welcoming. There is a village there that is part of the tour of what coal mines were like including a small church. My little family spontaneously sang “Down to the River to Pray”, a little bluegrass hymn, and Easter filled the old wooden room. Jesus had risen, and He was with us in a little coal mine church in Beckley.
I know music opens the heart and the soul in new and exciting ways. What a gift it is!
Our church still sings many of the old hymns. I do like the blend of the old and new. Praying for you, dear Mia!
amen! Thanks for stopping by today
Oh, yes, music touches my heart deeply, sometimes moving me to tears. Often, it is for the reason you identified: I catch a glimpse of God’s glory and my spirit overflows!
Dear Jean
This beautiful hymn is not heard often enough nowadays. The words are truly beautiful. Just like Rock of all Ages, and a few other old hymns. So sad, actually.
Blessings
How good that we can catch a glimpse of glory 🙂