Jun 20
Singing with St Augustine (revised)
Nearly a month ago I posted a draft of a hymn based on the famous “Late have I loved you … ” prayer passage from St Augustine’s confessions. In the light of feedback and helpful criticism, I’ve now moved to a second draft, and in particular tried to strengthen the last verse. I’ve also more-or-less decided that Gerontius is the right tune for it.
A blog seems a good way to bring some interactive criticism into this type of work, so comments are gratefully received. If anyone wants to test it out on a congregation, please do with a copyright acknowledgement to me, and a “Used by permission” statement. I’m grateful for all feedback in developing this text.
Late have I loved you, O my Lord,
before whom beauty pales,
whose glory shines in Christ the Word,
whose splendour never fails.
Searching for you in all you made,
in all my eye discerned,
I did not look within, afraid
to know what passion burned.
You walked with me unseen, unloved,
I trod as one alone,
I seized your gifts, though my use proved
the Giver was unknown
Yet still you called, to me you spoke
your powerful words of love,
and my long-practiced deafness broke
by thunder from above.
Your flashing lightning cleared my sight,
your storm winds conquered me,
and now I see love shining bright,
I breathe air pure and free.
Your love, your life, is now my meat,
I hunger still for more;
your breath of life is true and sweet,
your touch of peace is sure.
Late though I loved you, O my Lord,
beauty both new and old,
now my heart welcomes Christ the Word,
my priceless pearl, my gold.
June 21st, 2007 at 12:09 am
Rather than ‘Searching’, how about ‘In search’ - that gives you some alliteration on ‘in’ as well in that verse.
June 21st, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Hmm, I’m not sure whether I like that, it sounds stilted to my ear. I’ll ponder.
June 21st, 2007 at 5:19 pm
IMHO “in search” also has a more lyrical rhythm–and it seems to stress the syllables better within the tune as well.
Lovely hymn!!!