The glory of these forty days

This is my 30th entry in the Lenten Hymn-of-the-Day project. This upload is actually for March 21st.

The words of this exciting hymn are translated from the 6th century Latin by Maurice F. Bell (1862-1947) and the music, "Erhalt uns, Herr", with the melody coming from "Geistlicher Lieder", 1543, and the harmony being by J.S. Bach.

As March 21st is the birthday of the GREAT BACH, I had hoped to upload a major work by the master, but didn't get it ready... :-(

I hope to have it done in a few days... :-)

The glory of these forty days
We celbrate with songs of praise;
For Christ, thorugh whom all things were made,
Himself, has fasted and has prayed.

Alone and fasting Moses saw
The loving God who gave the law;
And to Elijah, fasting came
The steeds and chariots of flame.

So Daniel trained his mystic sight
Delivered from the lions' might;
And John, the Bridegroom's friend
Became the herald of Messiah's Name.

Then grant us, Lord, like them to be
Full oft in fast and prayer with Thee;
Our spirits strengthen with Thy grace,
And give us joy to see Thy face.

O Father, Son, and Spirit blest,
To Thee be every prayer addressed,
Who art in three-fold Name adored,
From age to age the only Lord.