O Splendor of God Glory Bright - Hymn with Lyrics

 

1. O Splendor of God's glory bright,
from Light eternal bringing light,
O Light of light, light's living Spring,
true Day, all days illumining.

2. Come, very Sun of heaven's love,
in lasting radiance from above,
and pour the Holy Spirit's ray
on all we think or do today.

3. And now to Thee or pray'rs ascend,
O Father, glorious without end;
we plead with sov'reign grace for pow'r
to conquer in temptation's hour.

4. Confirm our will to do the right,
and keep our hearts from envy's blight;
let faith her eager fires renew,
and hate the false, and love the true.

5. O joyful be the passing day
with thoughts as pure as morning's ray,
with faith like noontide shining bright,
our souls unshadowed by the night.

6. Dawn's glory gilds the earth and skies,
let Him, our perfect Morn, arise,
the Word in God the Father one,
the Father imaged in the Son. 

Scripture; Genesis 1:1-3; 

Exodus 40:34-38

; 

Psalm 19

; Malachi 4:2

The hymn O Splendor of God's Glory Bright was written in the 12th century by Hildegard of Bingen, a German abbess, mystic, composer, and visionary. Hildegard composed many works, including hymns and spiritual songs, and this particular hymn is one of her many pieces of sacred music.

The exact date of the composition is not precisely known, but it is generally placed in the period around 1150–1170. The hymn reflects her deep spirituality and theological insights, celebrating God's eternal glory and the divine light. It was originally written in Latin as part of her larger body of work, much of which was recorded in the Symphonia armoniae celestium revelationum, her collection of sacred music.