Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
444Resource Type:
Keys included:
D
About this Hymn
This is a hymn for the working day, a prayer for each task we are given. The spark for the song came from our good friend Jeff Barneson, who introduced us to a special service called "The Holy Ordination to Daily Work," which Intervarsity conducts annually at Harvard University. As Keith and one of our Nashville friends, Jeff Taylor, put the melody together, they reflected on J. S. Bach, who finished his working day of writing for the church by inscribing SDG (Soli Deo Gloria) at the bottom of the manuscript page. It became the hook on which we built this hymn.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Before you I kneel, my Master and Maker, to offer the work of my hands. For this is the day you've given your servant: I will rejoice and be glad! For the strength I have to live and breathe; for each skill your grace has given me; for the needs and opportunities that will glorify your great name.
Verse 2
Before you I kneel and ask for your goodness to cover the work of my hands. For patience and peace to shape all my labor; your grace for thorns in my path. Flow within me like a living stream; wear away the stones of pride and greed, till your ways are dwelling deep in me, and a harvest of life is grown.
Verse 3
Before you we kneel, our Master and Maker; establish the work of our hands, and order our steps to seek first your kingdom in ev'ry small and great task. May we live the gospel of your grace, serve your purpose in our fleeting days, then our lives will bring eternal praise and all glory to your great name.
Before you I kneel, my Master and Maker, to offer the work of my hands. For this is the day you've given your servant: I will rejoice and be glad! For the strength I have to live and breathe; for each skill your grace has given me; for the needs and opportunities that will glorify your great name.
Verse 2
Before you I kneel and ask for your goodness to cover the work of my hands. For patience and peace to shape all my labor; your grace for thorns in my path. Flow within me like a living stream; wear away the stones of pride and greed, till your ways are dwelling deep in me, and a harvest of life is grown.
Verse 3
Before you we kneel, our Master and Maker; establish the work of our hands, and order our steps to seek first your kingdom in ev'ry small and great task. May we live the gospel of your grace, serve your purpose in our fleeting days, then our lives will bring eternal praise and all glory to your great name.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words & Music: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Jeff Taylor, Stuart Townend © 2012 Getty Music Publishing / Seek 1st / Townend Songs (Capitol CMG Publishing / www.capitolcmgpublishing.com, Song Solutions / www.songsolutions.com)