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