Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#339

339. Before the Lord we bow

1 Before the Lord we bow,
The God who reigns above,
And rules the world below,
Boundless in power and love.
Our thanks we bring
In joy and praise,
Our hearts we raise
To heaven's high King.

2 The nation thou hast blest
May well thy love declare,
From foes and fears at rest,
Protected by thy care.
For this fair land,
For this bright day,
Our thanks we pay--
Gifts of thy hand.

3 May every mountain height,
Each vale and forest green,
Shine in thy word's pure light,
And its rich fruits be seen!
May every tongue
Be tuned to praise,
And join to raise
A grateful song.

4 Earth, hear thy Maker's voice,
The great Redeemer own;
Believe, obey, rejoice,
And worship him alone,
Cast down thy pride,
Thy sin deplore,
And bow before
The Crucified.

5 And when in power he comes,
O may our native land,
From all its rending tombs,
Send forth a glorious band,
A countless throng
Ever to sing
To heaven's high King
Salvation's song.

Text Information

• First Line: Before the Lord we bow
• Author: Francis Scott Key, 1779-1843
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: Church Life and Work: City, Nation, World
• Notes: This hymn may also be sung to CROFT'S 136TH (No. 238)

Tune Information

• Name: DARWALL'S 148TH
• Composer: John Darwall, 1731 - 89
• Meter: 6 6, 6 6, 4 4, 4 4.
• Key: C Major