"Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!"
The stirring opening lines of this beloved Christian hymn instantly evoke a sense of reverence and grandeur. Penned by the Anglican bishop Reginald Heber in the early 1800s, "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!" invites worshippers to join in a chorus of praise to the triune God.
Heber, serving as the vicar of Hodnet, Shropshire in England at the time, was a prolific hymn writer, crafting over 100 songs that have endured through the centuries. This particular hymn, set to the majestic tune "Nicaea" by composer John Bacchus Dykes, was first published posthumously in 1826. Though Anglican authorities were initially wary of incorporating hymns beyond metrical psalms in church services, "Holy, Holy, Holy" quickly gained widespread popularity, appearing in the influential Hymns Ancient and Modern collection in 1861.
As you read the lyrics, you can almost hear the swell of the organ, feel the wooden pews beneath you, and sense the hush that falls over the sanctuary. The text paraphrases the vision described in Revelation 4, painting a vivid picture of the heavenly throne room, where ceaseless praise is offered to the Lord.
"Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity."
The repetition of "holy" evokes a profound sense of the divine majesty and holiness of God, while the references to the Trinity – "God in three Persons" – underscore the unique nature of the Christian conception of the Godhead.
For many, this hymn has become a touchstone, a sacred anthem that transports the soul into the very presence of the Almighty. Whether it's the first time hearing it or the hundredth, the words have a way of stirring the heart, leaving the worshipper awestruck and, quite often, rendered temporarily speechless by the weight of God's glory.
Heber's hymn has endured through the centuries, resonating with believers from diverse Christian traditions. Its timeless message of adoration and wonder continues to inspire congregations around the world to lift their voices in reverent praise. I'll share two of my favorite renditions of this hymn a little later, but for now, I invite you to reflect on the moments in your own life when you've been left utterly speechless before the majesty of our great God.
Though intended for use on Trinity Sunday, the hymn's majestic language and sweeping scope make it a fitting offering of adoration throughout the liturgical year. As the verses unfold, the hymn's poetic meter, longer and more complex than the typical English hymn, draws the singer into a profound meditation on the nature of the Godhead. "God in three Persons, blessed Trinity" - this central tenet of Christian theology is expounded upon with a reverence that avoids the pitfalls of excessive emotionalism, as Heber himself intended.
Yet for many, this hymn has the opposite effect, stirring the heart to depths of worship and wonder. As the melody soars, one can almost feel the very foundations of the earth tremble at the weight of God's glory, as described in the text. The scope of the hymn broadens to include not only humanity, but also the "saints and angels" and "all the ransomed" - a vision of the entire cosmos joined in unending praise.
Though written nearly two centuries ago, "Holy, Holy, Holy" continues to resonate with believers from diverse Christian traditions. Its timeless message of adoration to the triune God has the power to transport the soul, leaving the worshipper awestruck and, quite often, rendered temporarily speechless by the majesty of the divine.The second stanza expands the scope, as the "saints in glory" now join in "adoring the Majesty in heaven." One can almost hear the swell of heavenly voices, mingling with the earthly chorus, in a timeless symphony of praise. The third verse paints vivid descriptors of the Almighty - "Merciful and mighty, God in three Persons, blessed Trinity" - as the worshipper's gaze is lifted higher.
Finally, in a grand crescendo, the hymn reaches its climactic conclusion: "Earth and sky and sea" itself joining the unending refrain. The worshipper is left awestruck, temporarily rendered speechless by the weight of God's glory, as described so eloquently in the text.
This beloved hymn, set to the majestic tune "Nicaea" by composer John Bacchus Dykes, has long been a favorite of mine. I'm drawn to the way it transports the soul, leaving an indelible imprint of reverence and wonder. Whether accompanied by the rich tones of a pipe organ or the gentle strains of an acoustic guitar, "Holy, Holy, Holy" has the power to still the heart and focus the mind on the greatness of our triune God.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of leading worship during countless "Nights of Praise," including special New Year's Eve services. As we would raise our voices together in this timeless hymn, I was always struck by the palpable sense of the divine presence. It was as if heaven and earth converged, and we were caught up in the unending chorus of adoration.
As the calendar turned to a new year, the air crackled with anticipation in the Muskogee, Oklahoma sanctuary. Hundreds had gathered for the annual New Year's Eve "Night of Praise," eager to usher in the fresh start with an offering of heartfelt worship. Little did I know that the Lord had a profound gift in store - a song that would flow directly from my own soul's gratitude.
As I began to pray and meditate in the days leading up to the event, a heavy burden settled upon my heart. I saw the faces of the hurting, the wounded, the hopeless - people whose lives had been marred by their own failings, whose spirits had been crushed by the burdens of this world. My own past failures and shortcomings came into sharp focus, and I was overwhelmed by a deep sense of unworthiness.
But then, as I reflected on the boundless grace and mercy of our God, something shifted within me. The verses of a new song began to well up, fueled by a wellspring of gratitude for the times the Lord had tenderly restored my own shattered heart. The song, “I Cry Holy”, was born on December 29, 2004 just 2 days prior to the New Year’s Eve Night of Praise on December 31, 2004.
As I stood before the congregation on that New Year's Eve, the weight of God's holiness and the wonder of His redeeming love were palpable. Voices joined together in a chorus of adoration, the sanctuary brimming with a tangible sense of the divine presence. It was as if heaven and earth had converged, and we were caught up in the timeless symphony of praise.
To this day, whenever I sing "I Cry Holy," I am transported back to that sacred moment - the hush that fell over the room, the tears streaming down faces, the collective sigh of relief and renewal. For me, this song has become a touchstone, a reminder of the transformative power of God's holiness and the freedom found in His forgiveness.
Though the monthly gatherings have since concluded, the memory of those sacred moments lingers. And whenever I hear "Holy, Holy, Holy" - whether in a grand cathedral or a humble chapel - I am transported back to that holy hush, where all creation bows before the King of kings. I'll share two of my favorite renditions of this hymn with you. I love this version by 2nd Chapter of Acts: https://youtu.be/L_rioPlLbSI?si=eufb-PnTh5oVHl1X
And I love this version by Keith Green: https://youtu.be/POHs8NsEITo?si=OlHqgxxH_AilnOe8
I invite you to join me in declaring the Lord's holiness with your whole being. For despite our failings, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the Lamb. Let us live as if we truly believe it - humbly bowing before the King of kings, surrendering our lives anew to His perfect plan. May the refrain "Holy, holy, holy" ever be on our lips, a testament to the majesty and grace of our Almighty God.
Dennis Jernigan
To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this blog and to hear the songs, "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” and “I Cry Holy”, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/holy-holy-holyi-cry-holy-podcast/
Photo courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald_Heber