The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#622

622. The Voice that Breathed o'er Eden

1 The voice that breathed o’er Eden,
That earliest wedding day,
The primal wedding blessing,--
It hath not passed away.
Still in the pure espousal
of Christian man and maid
The Triune God is with us,
The threefold grace is said.

2 Be present, loving Father,
To give away this bride
As Thou gav’st Eve to Adam,
A helpmate at his side.
Be present, Son of Mary,
To join their loving hands
As Thou didst bind two natures
In Thine eternal bands.

3 Be present, Holy Spirit,
To bless them as they kneel,
As Thou for Christ, the Bridegroom,
The heav’nly Spouse dost seal.
Oh, spread Thy pure wing o’er them,
Let no ill pow'r find place
When onward to Thine altar
Their hallowed path they trace.

4 To cast their crowns before Thee
In humble sacrifice,
Till to the home of gladness
With Christ’s own Bride they rise.
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
Eternal One and Three,
And was and is forever,
All praise and glory be.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The voice that breathed o'er Eden
• Title: The Voice that Breathed o'er Eden
• Author: John Keble (1537, ab. alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Ecclesiastes 4:12
• Topic: The Christian Home: Marriage

Tune Information

• Name: EDEN
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: "Sacred Hymns and Tunes," Boston, 1880