CPWI Hymnal ‎#797

797. Praise to God who reigns above

1 Praise to God who reigns above
binding earth and heaven in love;
all the armies of the sky
worship his dread sovereignty.

2 Seraphim his praises sing,
cherubim on fourfold wing,
thrones, dominions, princes, powers,
marshalled might that never cowers.

3 Speeds the archangel from his face,
bearing messages of grace;
angel hosts his words fulfil,
ruling nature by his will.

4 Yet on man thy joy to wait,
all that bright celestial state,
for in Man their Lord they see,
Christ, the incarnate deity.

5 On the throne their Lord who died
sits in Manhood glorified;
where his people faint below
angels count it joy to go.

6 O the depths of joy divine,
thrilling through those orders nine,
when the lost are found again,
when the banished come to reign!

7 Now in faith, in hope, in love,
we will join the choirs above,
praising, with the heavenly host,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Text Information

• First Line: Praise to God who reigns above
• Author: Richard Meux Benson, 1824-1915
• Meter: 7.7.7.7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Topic: Saints' and Other Holy Days: St. Michael and All Angels

Tune Information

• Name: XAVIER
• Composer: Francis Henry Champneys, 1848-1930
• Meter: 7.7.7.7
• Key: B♭ Major