Concertato on "O God, Beyond All Praising" ========================================== w: Michael Perry, 1982 m: Gustav Holst, 1921 setting: Richard Proulx tune: Thaxted meter: 13.13.13.13.13.13 Adapted from "Jupiter" movement of "The Planets" [Verse 1] O God, beyond all praising, we worship you today and sing the love amazing that songs cannot repay; for we can only wonder at ev'ry gift you send, at blessings without number and mercies without end; we lift our hearts before you and wait upon your word, we honor and adore you, our great and mighty Lord. [Verse 2] The flow'r of earthly splendor in time must surely die, its fragile bloom surrender to you, the Lord most high; but hidden from all nature the eternal seed is sown -- though small in mortal stature, to heaven's garden grown: for Christ the man from heaven from death has set us free, and we through him are given the final victory. [Interlude] [Verse 3] Then hear, O gracious Savior, accept the love we bring, that we who know your favor may serve you as our King; and whether tomorrows be filled with good or ill, we will triumph through (our) sorrows and bless (rise to praise) you still: to marvel at (your) beauty and glory in your ways, and make a joyful duty our sacrifice of praise. [Coda] Make a joyful duty our sacrifice of praise.