Scripture Verse

The seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Exodus 20:10

Introduction

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William H. Havergal
1793–1870

Words: John El­ler­ton, 1867. Pub­lished in Dean How­son’s Se­lec­tion of Hymns Com­piled for Use in Ches­ter Ca­thed­ral, 1868.

Music: Swa­bia Jo­hann M. Spiess, in Da­vids Harpf­fen-Spiel (Hei­del­berg, Ger­ma­ny: 1745). Ar­ranged by Will­iam H. Ha­ver­gal, 1847 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

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John Ellerton
1826–1893

Lyrics

This is the day of light:
Let there be light today;
O Dayspring, rise upon our night
And chase its gloom away.

This is the day of rest:
Our failing strength renew;
On weary brain and troubled breast
Shed Thou Thy freshening dew.

This is the day of peace:
Thy peace our spirits fill;
Bid Thou the blasts of discord cease,
The waves of strife be still.

This is the day of prayer:
Let earth to heaven draw near;
Lift up our hearts to seek Thee there,
Come down to meet us here.

This is the first of days;
Send forth Thy quick’ning breath,
And wake dead souls to love and praise,
O Vanquisher of death!