The New English Hymnal ‎#355

355. Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round

1 Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round
Of circling planets singing on their way;
Guide of the nations from the night profound
Into the glory of the perfect day;
Rule in our hearts, that we may ever be
Guided and strengthened and upheld by thee.

2 We are of thee, the children of thy love,
The brothers of thy well-beloved Son;
Descend, O Holy Spirit, like a dove,
Into our hearts, that we may be as one:
As one with thee, to whom we ever tend;
As one with him, our Brother and our Friend.

3 We would be one in hatred of all wrong,
One in our love of all things sweet and fair,
One with the joy that breaketh into song,
One with the grief that trembleth into prayer,
One in the power that makes thy children free
To follow truth, and thus to follow thee.

4 O clothe us with thy heavenly armour, Lord,
Thy trusty shield, thy sword of love divine;
Our inspiration be thy constant word;
We ask no victories that are not thine:
Give or withhold, let pain or pleasure be;
Enough to know that we are serving thee.

Text Information

• First Line: Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round
• Author: John Chadwick, 1840-1904
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 10 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: The Church: Its Mission and Unity; Confirmation

Tune Information

• Name: SONG I
• Composer: Orlando Gibbons, 1583-1625
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 10 10
• Key: F Major