A Hymn For Today

Lord, enthroned in heav’nly splendor, 
First begotten from the dead, 
You alone, our strong defender, 
Now lift up Your people’s head. 
Here we kneel, our homage paying, 
Here in loving rev’rence bow; 
Here for faith’s discernment praying, 
Lest we fail to know You now. 

Though the lowly form may veil You 
As of old in Bethlehem, 
Here as there Your angels hail You, 
Branch and flow’r of Jesse’s stem. 
Paschal Lamb, Your off’ring finished 
Once for all when You were slain, 
In its fullness undiminished 
Shall forevermore remain. 

Great High Priest of our profession, 
Through the veil You entered in, 
By Your mighty intercession, 
Grace and peace for us to win. 
Life-imparting heav’nly manna, 
Smitten rock with streaming side, 
Heav’n and earth with loud hosanna 
Worship You, the Lamb who died. 

8.7.8.7.D – vv. 1, 2, George H. Bourne, 1874 
vs. 3 – Unknown 

Tune: HYFRYDOL – Rowland H. Prichard, 1831

#243 in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, 2012