HYMN #0213 SSS #213 • SS&S Meter: 5.5.6.5. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #213: How honoured, how dear

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

1

How honoured, how dear, that sacred abode,
Where Christians draw near their Father and God!
’Mid worldly commotion, my wearied soul faints
For the house of devotion, the home of Thy saints.

2

The birds have their home, they fix on their nest;
Wherever they roam, they turn to their rest:
From them fondly learning, my soul would take wing;
To Thee so returning, my God and my King.

3

O happy the choirs who praise Thee above!
What joy tunes their lyres! their worship is love.
Yet safe in Thy keeping and happy they be
In this world of weeping, whose strength is in Thee.

4

Though rugged their way, they drink,as they go,
Of springs that convey new life as they flow:
The God they rely on, their strength shall renew,
Till each, brought to Zion, His glory shall view.

5

Thou Hearer of prayer, still grant me a place
Where Christians repair to the courts of Thy grace:
More blest, beyond measure, one day so employed,
Than years of vain pleasure by worldlings enjoyed.

6

The Lord is a Sun, the Lord is a Shield;
What grace has begun, with glory is sealed.
He hears the distressed, He succours the just:
And they shall be blessed who make Him their trust.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "How honoured, how dear"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #213 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 6 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: 5.5.6.5.
Stanza Structure: 6 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.

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