Thine Arm, O Lord, In Days of Old

Christ Pantocrator

Image Source = Wikipedia

Hymn Source = Common Service Book (1917), of the predecessor bodies of the United Lutheran Church in America (1918-1962), itself a forerunner of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1987-)

Words by Edward Hayes Plumptre (1821-1891), a priest of The Church of England and Dean of Wells Cathedral

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1.  Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old

Was strong to heal and save;

It triumphed o’er disease and death,

O’er darkness and the grave;

To Thee they went, the blind, the dumb,

The palsied and the lame,

The leper with his tainted life,

The sick with fevered frame.

2.  And lo, Thy touch brought life and health,

Gave speech, and strength, and sight;

And youth renewed and frenzy calmed

Owned Thee, the Lord of light.

And now, O Lord, be near to bless,

Almighty as of yore,

In crowded street, by restless couch,

As by Gennesaret’s shore.

3.  Be Thou our great Deliverer still,

Thou Lord of life and death;

Restore and quicken, soothe, and bless,

With Thine almighty breath.

To hands that work and eyes that see

Give wisdom’s heavenly lore,

That whole and sick, and weak and strong,

May praise Thee evermore.