Sunday's Hymn: Reader's Choice

This week's featured hymn is chosen for us by Patrick O'Hannigan. It is attributed to Ignaz Franz, a Catholic priest, who would have written it some time in the 18th century. It was first written in German and then translated into English by Clarence Walworth in 1858.

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Holy God, we praise Thy Name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee!
All on earth Thy scepter claim,
All in Heaven above adore Thee;
Infinite Thy vast domain,
Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising,
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising;
Fill the heavens with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord.

Lo! the apostolic train
Join the sacred Name to hallow;
Prophets swell the loud refrain,
And the white robed martyrs follow;
And from morn to set of sun,
Through the Church the song goes on.

Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee;
While in essence only One,
Undivided God we claim Thee;
And adoring bend the knee,
While we own the mystery.

Patrick tells us he likes this hymn because it's hopeful, it can be sung by normal people, and it doesn't blur "the difference between creature and Creator, as so many modern hymns do." If you are unfamiliar with this hymn, you can listen to it here.

(How many of you remember Shirley Temple singing this one in Heidi?)

Get your favorite hymn on the list to be featured by adding it here.