The Cyber Hymnal ‎#1557

1557. Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender

1. Father most holy, merciful and tender;
Jesus our Savior, with the Father reigning;
Spirit all kindly, Advocate, Defender,
Light never waning;

2. Trinity sacred, Unity unshaken;
Deity perfect, giving and forgiving,
Light of the angels, Life of the forsaken,
Hope of the living;

3. Maker of all things, all Thy creatures praise Thee;
Lo, all things serve Thee through Thy whole creation:
Hear us, Almighty, hear us as we raise Thee
Heart’s adoration.

4. To the all ruling triune God be glory:
Highest and greatest, help Thou our endeavor;
We, too, would praise Thee, giving honor worthy
Now and forever.

Text Information

• First Line: Father most holy, merciful and tender
• Title: Father Most Holy, Merciful and Tender
• Latin Title: O Pater sancte, mitis atque pie
• Author: Anonymous
• Translator (from Latin): Percy Dearmer
• Meter: 11.11.11.10
• Language: English
• Source: From an 11th Century manuscript in the British Museum; The English Hymnal (London: Oxford University Press, 1906), number 160 (repeats last line).
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: HERZLIEBSTER JESU, Johann Crüger, Newes vollkömliches Gesangbuch Augsburgischer Confession (Berlin: 1640]; ISTE CONFESSOR, Poitiers Antiphoner, 1746 (repeats last line)

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTE DU BEISTAND
• Composer: Matthäus Apelles von Löwenstern, 1594-1648
• Meter: 11.11.11.10
• Incipit: 11232 56716 57654
• Key: d minor
• Copyright: Public Domain