Traditional Hymns
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
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1. 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!
2. 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 shallt be.
3. 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.
4. 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.
Devotional based on the classic hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty" by Reginald Heber
Scripture:“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)
Devotional:
From the moment we open our eyes to the beauty of this hymn, we are invited into heaven’s throne room. The words “Holy, holy, holy” echo the angelic praise in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, where heavenly beings cry out in eternal adoration of God’s majesty. This triple declaration of God’s holiness is not mere repetition, it’s emphasis, reverence, and awe. It’s the language of worship that transcends earth and touches eternity.
Reginald Heber’s hymn leads us to reflect on the unchanging and absolute holiness of God. “Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee,” the hymn begins, reminding us that worship should mark the very beginning of our day. Before we face the chaos or joys of life, we are called to remember that we serve a God who is perfectly holy, eternally mighty, and infinitely worthy of praise.
As the hymn unfolds, it lifts our eyes beyond ourselves: “All the saints adore Thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea.”
This imagery is drawn from Revelation, where saints and angels bow in worship before the throne. It is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our adoration, our worship joins with heaven’s unceasing chorus. In our earthly worship, we are part of something far greater: the eternal acknowledgment of God's holiness.
Perhaps the most humbling line in the hymn is: “Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see…”
It reminds us of our need for grace. On our own, we cannot comprehend or approach God’s perfect purity. Yet through Christ, we are welcomed into His presence, not as strangers, but as beloved children.
Reflection:
Take a moment today to quietly repeat the words, “Holy, holy, holy.” Let them ground your spirit. Let them remind you of God’s power, His purity, and His presence. And then ask:
How can I live today in response to the holiness of God?
Is there an area of my life that I need to surrender, purify, or lift in worship?
Prayer:
Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, You are beyond my full understanding, yet You invite me to draw near. Thank You for Your mercy, for the cross, and for the gift of worship. Let my life reflect Your holiness today. Amen.