Saint Michael and All Angels

O God of all, we give thee praise,
Thanksgivings unto thee we raise,
That angel hosts thou didst create
Around thy glorious throne to wait.

They shine with light and heav’nly grace

And constantly behold thy face;
They heed thy voice, they know it well,
In godly wisdom they excel.

They never rest nor sleep as we;

Their whole delight is but to be

With Christ the Shepherd, and to keep

Thy little flock, thy lambs and sheep.

The ancient dragon is their foe;

Whose envy and whose wrath they know.
It always is his aim and pride
Thine earthly people to divide.

But watchful is the angel band

That follows Christ on every hand
To guard God's people where they go
And break the counsel of the foe.

For this, now and in days to be,

Our praise shall rise, O God, to thee,
Whom all the angel hosts adore
With grateful songs forevermore.

Philipp Melancthon, 1534

tr. Emanuel Cronenwett, 1880; alt.

Tune: HEAVENLY FLIGHT (L.M.)

Nahum Mitchell, 1816

P.S. The window above is from St Michael and All Saints Church in Herefordshire.



Eleven Years Ago: Around the throne of God

Ten Years Ago: Stars of the morning, so gloriously bright

Nine Years Ago: They are evermore around us

Seven Years Ago: O Captain of God's host

Five Years Ago: High on a hill of dazzling light

Two Years Ago: Life and strength of all thy servants