HYMN: Standing Before the Throne of Grace

It seems almost absurd. More often than not, when I attend Circuit or District meetings, it seems I come up with an idea for a hymn, an idea that refuses to be set aside. Yesterday was no exception. The message during worship—one of two, actually—examined All Saints. I'd read a sermon by the Reverend D. Richard Stuckwisch that morning, and those two factors forced an idea into my head. Focusing on the Epistle appointed for All Saints, Revelation 7:9-17, with help from Hebrews 12:1-2, this text thanks God for the faithful witness of those who have gone before us in the faith and asks God to strengthen us for faithful service as He did for them.

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Standing Before the Throne of Grace

 

1. Standing before the throne of grace,

Gathered in a mighty cloud,

Gazing at their Savior’s face,

Saints and martyrs cry aloud:

“Father and the Lamb, we raise

Songs of glory, thanks, and praise”

 

2. These are the blood-washed, robed in white,

Robed in Christ’s own righteousness,

Who have conquered in the fight:

Saints in gleaming, glorious dress,

Serving God both night and day.

He wipes all their tears away.

 

3. In life they faced the daily test,

Trusting in the Lamb alone.

With their Savior now, they rest;

He has claimed them as His own.

Faithful through the earthly strife,

They receive the crown of life.

 

4. O Holy Father, till our death,

Grant that we, like saints before,

Live by faith with ev‘ry breath,

Trusting daily ever more.

Help us to confess Your name,

Free from fear, despair, and shame.

 

 

© 2020 Alan Kornacki, Jr.

87 77 77

WIR GLAUBEN ALL (Metrical) (LSB 953)

The Feast of All Saints; Baptismal Life