I have a long post in store for this week, but it is taking a long time to finish it. (Especially since the cold bug has me down right now.) So I wanted to at least give you a music post.
“O Church Arise” is yet another excellent modern hymn by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend (they gave us “In Christ Alone”, and Stuart also wrote “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”, among many other good hymn-like songs). It has the aura of a hymn written three or four hundred years ago, yet it is popular over a wide spectrum of churches today. It’s rich lyrics and fitting melody make it perfect for corporate worship, and when sung in a full congregation, it has almost the same effect as Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”. It is theologically sound focusing on the sure hope we have despite our struggles to fight the good fight of faith. This song could even enrich the worship of church’s who emphasize strictly traditional hymns. I encourage you to look well at this song and let it bless your heart (and others).
O Church Arise
by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
O Church Arise and put your armour on
Hear the call of Christ our Captain
For now the weak can say that they are strong
In the strength that God has given
With shield of faith and belt of truth
We’ll stand against the devil’s lies
An army bold whose battle-cry is Love
Reaching out to those in darkness
Our call to war to love the captive soul
But to rage against the captor
And with the sword that makes the wounded whole
We will fight with faith and valour
When faced with trials on every side
We know the outcome is secure
And Christ will have the prize for which He died
An inheritance of nations
Come see the cross where love and mercy meet
As the Son of God is stricken
Then see His foes lie crushed beneath His feet
For the Conqueror has risen
And as the stone is rolled away
And Christ emerges from the grave
This victory march continues till the day
Every eye and heart shall see Him
So Spirit come put strength in every stride
Give grace for every hurdle
That we may run with faith to win the prize
Of a servant good and faithful
As saints of old still line the way
Retelling triumphs of His grace
We hear their calls and hunger for the day
When with Christ we stand in glory
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
To listen to a sample of the song (and get an idea as to the melody) click here [if you do not have RealPlayer, and that link does not work, try this link (mp3)]. You should be able to preview some sheet music on the song here and you can order some there or at this link.
I would to be able to get the music book “In Christ Alone Songbook” mentioned above. Then am I free to put words up & use for Church?? The one I am looking for is an easy piano version of “O Church Arise”.
Thank you
Dianne,
For using songs in church that are copyrighted, you will need a CCLI license, I believe. The words are available as is the music at the Getty’s website. But to use it for a church performance, a CCLI license would be needed. Your church music minister probably already has one, you can talk with him….
I loooooooove this sing!!! we sing in church
I loooooooove this sing!!! we sing in church!! it is fab!!
O, Church Arise reminds me so much of the old hymns of the faith, which are so encouraging. Thanks for providing such a worshipful song.