The Hymnal 1982 359
God of the prophets, bless the prophet's heirs
- Tune
- toulon
- Author(s)
- Denis Wortman, 1835-1922; Carl P. Daw, Jr., b. 1944
- Composer(s)
- Charles Winfred Douglas, 1867-1944
- Meter
- 10.10.10.10
- Tune Source(s)
- Pseaumes octante trois de David, 1551, abridged (melody)
More information available on ritesong or Hymnary.org.
1 God of the prophets, bless the prophets' heirs! Elijah's mantle o'er Elisha cast: each age for thine own solemn task prepares, make each one stronger, nobler than the last.
2 Anoint them prophets! Teach them thine intent: to human need their quickened hearts awake; fill them with power, their lips make eloquent for righteousness that shall all evil break.
3 [Protected by copyright]
4 Anoint them kings! Yea, kingly kings, O Lord! Anoint them with the Spirit of thy Son: theirs not a monarch's crown or tyrant's sword; theirs by the love of Christ a kingdom won.
5 Make them apostles, heralds of thy cross; forth may they go to tell all realms thy grace: inspired of thee, may they count all but loss, and stand at last with joy before thy face.