HYMN #0579 A&M #579 • Ancient & Modern Meter: 7 6 7 6 7 6 7 6 Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #579: O Father all-creating!

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Hymns Ancient & Modern

1

" Except the Lord build the house, their
579 labour is but lost that build it."
77ifO Father all creating,
Whose wisdom, love, and power

2

First bound two lives together
In Eden's primal hour,
To-day to these Thy children
Thine earliest gif s renew,—

3

A home by Thee made happy,
A love by Thee kept true.
7np 0 Saviour, Guest most bounteous
Of old in Galilee.

4

Vouchsafe to-day Thv presence
With these who call on Thee ;
Their store of earthly gladness
Transform to heavenly wine,

5

And teach them, in the tasting,
To know the gift is Thine.
O Spirit of the Father,
Breathe on them from above,

6

So mighty in Thy pureness,
So tender in Thy love ;
Thatguarded by Thy presence
From sin and strife kept free,

7

Their lives may own Thv guidance,
Their hearts be ruled by Thee.
Except Thou build it, Father,
The house is built in vain ;

8

Except Thou, Saviour, bless it,
The jov will turn to pain ;
But nought can break the marriage
Of hearts in Thee made one.

9

And love Thy Spirit hallows
Is endless love begun. Amen,
For a Suacljcrs' faceting.
" The word that I shall speak unto thee.

10

580 tnMt thon $halt aPeaJt- "
Shine Thou uoon us. Lord,
True Light of men. to-day ;
And tlirough the written word

11

Thy very self display ;
That so from hearts which burn
With gazing on Thy Face,
The little ones may learn

12

The wonders of Thy grace.
Breathe Thou upon us, Lord,
Thy Spirit's living Flame,
That so with one accord

13

Our lips may tell Thy Name ;
Give Thou the hearing ear,
Fix Thou the wandering thought.
That those we teach may hear

14

The great things Thou hast wrought
... all we sav of Thee ;
According to Thy Word
Let all our teaching be ;

15

FOR THEOLOGICAL COLLEGES.
ITiat so Thy lambs- may know
Their own true Shepherd's voice,
Where'er He leads them go,

16

A. id i;i His love rejoice.
otive Thou within us, Lord ;
Thv mind and will be ours ;
B » Thou beloved, adored.

17

And served, with all ourfpowers ;
That so our lives may teach
Thy children what Thou art,
hn And plead, by more than speech,
For Thee with every heart.

17

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "O Father all-creating!"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #579 in the venerable Hymns Ancient & Modern (1889 Standard Edition). Originally compiled under the guidance of the Rev. Sir Henry Williams Baker and a committee of dedicated church musicians, this hymnal harmonized historic Latin, Greek, and German hymnody with classical English psalmody.

It has served as a primary liturgical hymnal for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican and Episcopal communion for generations, renowned for its doctrinal clarity and reverent choral tradition.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 18 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: 7 6 7 6 7 6 7 6
Stanza Structure: 18 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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