Common Praise ‎#122a

122a. The royal banners forward go

1 The royal banners forward go,
the cross shines forth in mystic glow;
where he in flesh, or flesh who made,
our sentence bore, our ransom paid.

2 There whilst he hung, his sacred side
by soldier's spear was opened wide,
to cleanse us in the precious flood
of water mingled with his blood.

3 Fulfilled is now what David told
in true prophetic song of old,
how God the nations' King should be;
for God is reigning on the tree.

4 O tree of glory, tree most fair,
ordained those holy limbs to bear,
how bright in purple robe it stood,
the purple of a Saviour's blood!

5 Upon its arms, like balance true,
he weighed the price for sinners due,
the price which none but he could pay,
and spoiled the spoiler of his prey.

6 To thee, eternal Three in One,
let homage meet by all be done:
as by the cross thou dost restore,
so rule and guide us evermore. Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The royal banners forward go
• Author: Venantius Fortunatus, 530-609
• Translator: J. M. Neale, 1818-1866 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  1 Peter 2:24
  ;
  1 Timothy 2:5-6
  ;
  John 19:34
  ;
  Psalm 72:8-11
• Topic: Passiontide and Holy Week; Lent V: Year A; Lent V: Year C

Tune Information

• Name: VEXILLA REGIS
• Adapter: Michael Fleming, b. 1928
• Meter: LM
• Key: e minor
• Copyright: © Royal School of Church Music