Author: John Greenleaf Whittier, 1807-1892 Hymnal: Singing the Living Tradition #75 (1993) Meter: 8.6.8.6 First Line: The harp at Nature's advent strung Lyrics: 1 The harp at Nature’s advent strung has never ceased to play;
the song the stars of morning sung
has never died away.
2 The prayer is made, and praise is given,
by all things near and far;
the ocean looketh up to heaven
and mirrors every star.
3 The green earth sends sweet incense up
from many mountain shrines;
from folded leaf and dewy cup
now pours the sacred wine.
4 The blue sky is the temple’s arch,
its transept, earth and air;
the music of its starry march,
the chorus of a prayer.
5 So nature keeps the reverent frame
with which all years begin;
and nature’s signs and voices shame
the prayerless heart within. Topics: Transcending Mystery and Wonder The World of Nature; The Arts; Celebration and Praise; Dedication of a Building; Earth; Flower Communion; Morning Languages: English Tune Title: WALDEN
The Harp at Nature's Advent