Holy, Holy, Holy!!!

“And the four living creatures,… day and night without ceasing they sing,’Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’” (Revelation 4:8)

“Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,

Which wert, and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee

Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see

Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee

Perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

            [-Reginald Heber, 1826, from The United Methodist Hymnal, #64]

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven's mercy seat

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven's mercy seat

Refrain: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lighting rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be
To You the only wise King

Refrain

Filled with wonder awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water
Such a marvelous mystery.

Oh, You're worthy, mystery; You are worthy

Refrain

            [-Jennie Lee Riddle, performed by Phillips, Craig & Dean (2009 album Fearless)]

Whether it’s expressed in a traditional hymn or a contemporary Christian song, the language of heaven is praise.   We sing songs of praise here on earth during worship partly to express our own love and feelings for God, and partly prepare us for what we’ll be doing for eternity.

As we continue our series on the book of Revelation, may prayer is that you will experience a piece of heaven in the expressions of praise we have during our worship services. Remember that God loves you and I do, too!