“Thy Strong Word”

“Thy Strong Word” by John A. Behnke

1 Thy strong word did cleave the darkness;
    At Thy speaking it was done.
For created light we thank Thee,
    While Thine ordered seasons run.
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Alleluia without end!

2 Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness,
    Dark as night and deep as death,
Broke the light of Thy salvation,
    Breathed Thine own life-breathing breath.
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Alleluia without end!

3 Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous;
    Bright with Thine own holiness,
Glorious now, we press toward glory,
    And our lives our hopes confess.
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Alleluia without end!

4 From the cross Thy wisdom shining
    Breaketh forth in conqu’ring might;
From the cross forever beameth
    All Thy bright redeeming light.
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Praise to Thee who light dost send!
Alleluia, alleluia!
    Alleluia without end!

5 Give us lips to sing Thy glory,
    Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim,
Throats that shout the hope that fills us,
    Mouths to speak Thy holy name.
Alleluia, alleluia!
    May the light which Thou dost send
Fill our songs with alleluias,
    Alleluias without end!

D 6 God the Father, light-creator,
    To Thee laud and honor be.
To Thee, Light of Light begotten,
    Praise be sung eternally.
Holy Spirit, light-revealer,
    Glory, glory be to Thee.
Mortals, angels, now and ever
    Praise the holy Trinity!

Text: Martin H. Franzmann, 1907–76; Tune: Thomas J. Williams, 1869–1944; Text: © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005077; Tune: Public domain

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