Hymn: Father, Author of Creation

As promised, here is MP3 audio for the three stanzas of the 2009 – 2010 Saint Paul Lutheran High School hymn of the year that we sang at the opening service. The melody is a hymnic setting of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. I include the text below. Note that the hymn is written in 8787 D meter — this allows the use of a number of other well-known, easily sung tunes. For more details about the hymn, please see the previous post.

Father, Author of Creation
Saint Paul Lutheran High School
2009-2010 Hymn of the Year
8 7 8 7 D
Text by Walter P. Snyder, 1957–

1. Father, Author of Creation;
   At Your Word the world was made.
   Jesus Christ, God’s Word Incarnate,
   By Your death our ransom paid.
   Through the Gospel Word, O Spirit,
   You work faith and guide our way.
   Bless us with Your Word of power,
   Set it as our strength and stay.


2. Saint Paul wrote by inspiration
   That we bear the Spirit’s sword
   When we hold by faith the weapon
   Of Your mighty, holy Word.
   Grant its increase, Lord almighty,
   Shower grace upon this year.
   Bless our teaching and our learning,
   Keep our words and actions pure.


3. Alleluia, holy Father,
   Throned in pow’r and might above —
   Crucified and risen Savior,
   Jesus Christ, You reign in love —
   Holy Spirit, faith’s Creator,
   Comforter and Counselor —
   For Your saving Word we offer
   Alleluias evermore.

Hymn text © 2009 Walter P. Snyder. May not be used or reproduced without permission.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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