HYMN #0197 SSS #197 • SS&S Meter: 6.8. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #197: Hear us, Thou that broodedst

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

Hear us, Thou that broodedst
o’er the watery deep,
Waking all creation
from its primal sleep:
Holy Spirit, breathing
breath of life divine,
Breathe into our spirits,
blending them with Thine.
Light and Life Immortal!
Hear us as we raise
Hearts, as well as voices,
Mingling prayer and praise.

When the sun ariseth
in a cloudless sky,
May we feel Thy presence,
Holy Spirit, nigh;
Shed Thy radiance o’er us,
keep it cloudless still,
Through the day before us,
perfecting Thy will.

When the fight is fiercest
in the noon tide heat,
Bear us, Holy Spirit,
to our Saviour’s feet,
There to find a refuge
till our work is done,
There to fight the battle
till the battle’s won.

If the day be falling
sadly as it goes,
Slowly in its sadness
sinking to its close,
May Thy love in mercy,
kindling ere it die,
Cast a ray of glory
o’er our evening sky.

Morning, noon, and evening,
when soe’er it be,
Grant us, gracious Spirit,
quickening life in Thee;
Life, that gives us, living,
life of heavenly love;
Life, that brings us, dying,
life from heaven above.

← Prev (#196) Hymn 197 of 1,200 Next (#198) →

🔎 Browse All 1,200 SS&S Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Hear us, Thou that broodedst"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #197 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 5 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: 6.8.
Stanza Structure: 5 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

WINDOWS DESKTOP EDITION 100% Offline Worship

Take All 1,838 Hymns With Cathedral Organ Tunes Everywhere

Download the free offline Windows app with full 4-part harmony pipe organ accompaniments for both Sacred Songs & Solos and Hymns Ancient & Modern.

⬇️ Download for Windows PC (2.9 MB) View simple 1-minute installation guide →