The New English Hymnal ‎#131

131. O King most high of earth and sky

1 O King most high of earth and sky
On prostrate death thou treadest,
And with thy blood dost mark the road
Whereby to heaven thou leadest.

2 O Christ, behold thine orphaned fold,
Which thou hast borne with anguish,
Steeped in the tide from thy rent side;
O leave us not to languish!

3 The glorious gain of all thy pain
Henceforth dost thou inherit;
Now comes the hour--then gently shower
On us thy promised Spirit!

Text Information

• First Line: O King most high of earth and sky
• Latin Title: Supreme Rector coelitum
• Translator: William Blew, 1808-94
• Meter: 87 87
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Christian Year: Ascensiontide
• Source: Latin Breviary hymn, 17th century

Tune Information

• Name: ACH GOTT UND HERR
• Harmonizer: J. S. Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 87 87
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: New-Leipziger Gesangbuch, 1682 (later version of melody)