Thy Strong Word

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!

Lo, on those who dwelt in darkness,

Dark as night and deep as death,

Broke the light of thy salvation,

Breathed thine own life-giving breath.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous;

Bright with thine own holiness,

Glorious now, we press toward glory,

And our lives our hope confess.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise to thee who light dost send!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia without end!

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!

Give us lips to sing thy glory,

Tongues thy mercy to proclaim,

Throats to 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!

God the Father, light-creator,

To thee laud and honor be.

To thee, Light from 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, 1907-1976
Tune: Thomas J. Williams, 1869-1944