Ecumenical Praise ‎#42

42. Sometimes a Light Surprises

1 Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing in his wings.
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

2 In holy contemplation
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
And find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow
Bring with it what it may.

3 It can bring with it nothing
But he will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
Will clothe his people, too;
Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed;
And he who feeds the ravens
Will give his children bread.

4 Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the fields should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet, God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Text Information

• First Line: Sometimes a light surprises
• Title: Sometimes a Light Surprises
• Author: William Cowper
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1977
• Topic: Christian Experience and Devotion: Hope and Courage

Tune Information

• Name: SURPRISE
• Composer: Jane M. Marshall
• Meter: 76.76.D. (Iambic)
• Incipit: 53215 36523 21536
• Key: C Major
• Copyright: SOMETIMES A LIGHT by Jane Marshall.; Copyright © MCMLXXIV by Carl fischer, Inc., New York.; International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission of Carl Fischer, Inc., New York.