Scripture Verse

Blessèd be the Lord my strength, who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust. Psalm 144:1–2

Introduction

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Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Words: Is­aac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid 1719. As­sist­ance and vic­to­ry in the spi­rit­ual war­fare.

Music: Song 67 (Gib­bons) Or­lan­do Gib­bons, 1623. Ar­ranged by Hen­ry T. Smart (1813–1879) (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Orlando Gibbons (1583–1625)

Lyrics

Forever bless­èd be the Lord,
My Sav­ior and my shield;
He sends His Spi­rit with His Word,
To arm me for the field.

When sin and hell their force unite,
He makes my soul His care,
Instructs me to the heav’n­ly fight,
And guards me through the war.

A friend and help­er so divine
Does my weak cour­age raise;
He makes the glo­ri­ous vic­to­ry mine,
And His shall be the praise.