August 24, 2021 (Tuesday)
Yesterday’s blog declared, “This Is My Father’s World.” Today our hymn suggests we praise Jesus Christ for every sunrise, when morning brings golden skies. This was a praise song long before the modern era of “praise songs.” The lyrics shout, “May Jesus Christ be praised!” no less than ten times when all the verses are sung. The completed hymn in English has been with us for over 150 years.
The gilded skies proclaim to each of us: “God is giving you a brand new day.” With thanksgiving we dedicate our day to Christ our Savior and Lord. Reminds me of the poem, “I met God in the morning when the day was at its best.”
Our first thought each day as we awaken can be, “Thank you, Lord for this new day. I thank you for this gift and in return I give it to you. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to you.”
WHEN MORNING GILDS THE SKIES
Words Translated from German by Edward Caswall in 1854.
Joseph Barnby composed the tune in 1868.
When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work and prayer
To Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
To Thee, my God above,
I cry with glowing love,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The fairest graces spring
In hearts that ever sing,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
When sleep her balm denies,
My silent spirit sighs,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
When evil thoughts molest,
With this I shield my breast,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The night becomes as day,
When from the heart we say,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The powers of darkness fear,
When this sweet chant they hear,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this, while life is mine,
My canticle divine,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this th’ eternal song
Through all the ages long,
May Jesus Christ be praised!