CPWI Hymnal ‎#680

680. O Father all creating

1 O Father all creating,
whose wisdom, love, and power
first bound two lives together
in Eden’s primal hour,
today to these thy children
thine earliest gifts renew -
a home by thee made happy,
a love by thee kept true.

2 O Saviour, guest most bounteous
of old in Galilee,
vouchsafe today thy presence
with these who call on thee;
their store of earthly gladness
transform to heavenly wine,
and teach them, in the tasting,
to know the gift is thine.

3 O Spirit of the Father,
breathe on them from above,
so mighty in thy pureness,
so tender in thy love;
that guarded by thy presence,
from sin and strife kept free,
their lives may own thy guidance,
their hearts be ruled by thee.

4 Except thou build it, Father,
the house is built in vain;
except thou, Saviour, bless it,
the joy will turn to pain;
but nought can break the marriage
of hearts in thee made one,
and love thy Spirit hallows
is endless love begun.

Text Information

• First Line: O Father all creating
• Author: John Ellerton, 1826-1893
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Topic: Sacraments and Other Occasions: Holy Matrimony

Tune Information

• Name: LANCASHIRE (SMART)
• Composer: Henry Thomas Smart, 1813-1879
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Key: C Major