Journal

For all the saints

Posted on December 1st, 2009, in the small hours

I used 'For all the saints' for the first time this week. It is usually used on All Saints Day, but it seemed equally appropriate following a sermon on Hebrews 11.

Lyrically this is definitely a different perspective than anything else I have in my repertoire. William How was the author. The basic premise is thanking God for all those who have gone before us in the faith and looking forward to the fulfillment of all our destinies in glory.

Cyberhymnal has many more verses than are in common use (as always) - 11 in this case. We will use the following 7 as our starting point, although on Sunday we didn't sing the third of these:

1. For all the saints, who from their labours rest
2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might
3. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
4. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold
5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long
6. But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day
7. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast

The second last verse is particularly stirring:

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

I've learned Vaughan Williams arrangement, which is really an excellent piece of music. It's relatively straightforward for a congregation, despite being a little florid in its final 'Alleluia's.

I play the hymn in F, starting on a Dm (capo 3 Bm), which gives a reflective feel for some verses without losing the space for a bright and faith-filled final two.

To be honest I think the slightly off-centre theme will limit the amount I will use this hymn, but it's extremely useful to have such a good one on the subject when needed.

• Chords - F (PDF)
• Capo Chords - D (PDF)