HYMN #0586 A&M #586 • Ancient & Modern Meter: cm Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #586: Lift up your heads, ye gates of brass

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

Lift up your heads, ye gates of
Ye bars of iron, yield ;
And let the King of Glory pass ;
The Cross is in the field.

That banner, brighter than the star
That leads the train of night,
Shines on the march, and guides from
His servants to the fight.

A holy war those servants wage ;
In that mysterious strife,
The powers of Heaven and hell engage
For more than death or life.

Ye armies of the living God,
Sworn warriors of Christ's host,
Where hallow'd footsteps never trod,
Take your appointed post.

Though few and small and weak
your bands,
er Strong in your Captain's strength,
Go to the conquest of all lands :

Ail must be His at length.
The spoils at His victorious Feet
You shall rejoice to lay,
And lay yourselves as trophies meet,

In His great judgment day.
Then fear not, faint not, halt not
In Jesus' Name be strong !
To Him shall all the nations bow,

And sing the triumph song :—
Uplifted are the gates of brass,
The bars of iron yield ;
STTjatifeggfttiuj for fHt's stems,
" Blessed be His glorious Name for ever,
and let the whole earth be fill ,d with

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Lift up your heads, ye gates of brass"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #586 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 9 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: cm
Stanza Structure: 9 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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