Piano Demo
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Hymnal Number
26Resource Type:
Keys included:
G
About this Hymn
Using 1 Timothy 1:17 as a starting point, the writer of this hymn seeks to express the wonders of Christ, "who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see" (1 Tim. 6:16), who never rests (Ps. 121:4), who is always watching (Ps. 66:7), and who gives life to all things (1 Tim. 6:13). It ends with a prayer for the glory of God to be manifested through Christ in the hearts of worshipers (Eph. 3:14–19).
Lyrics
Verse 1
Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes; most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Verse 2
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting thou rulest in might; thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
Verse 3
To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; in all life thou livest, the true life of all; we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish— but naught changeth thee.
Verse 4
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight. All praise we would render; oh, help us to see 'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes; most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.
Verse 2
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting thou rulest in might; thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
Verse 3
To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; in all life thou livest, the true life of all; we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish— but naught changeth thee.
Verse 4
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight. All praise we would render; oh, help us to see 'tis only the splendor of light hideth thee!
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: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867, alt.
Music: Welsh melody, 18th c.; harm. The English Hymnal, 1906, alt.
Music: Welsh melody, 18th c.; harm. The English Hymnal, 1906, alt.