God, Whose Almighty Word

Let There Be Light.

God, Whose Almighty Word is an Anthony G. Petti adaption of the hymn by English poet and clergyman, John Marriott (1780-1825). Written in 1813, it was first published without credit or permission in 1825 as the 'Missionary Hymn'. It is by far his most well known hymn. It is set to the tune, Italian Hymn (Moscow) composed by Felice de Giardini (1716-1796). In the Liturgy of the Hours, God, Whose Almighty Word is used in the Office of Readings.



THOU, WHOSE ALMIGHTY WORD by John Marriott, 1813 (Public Domain)

1. Thou, whose almighty word
chaos and darkness heard,
and took their flight;
hear us, we humbly pray,
and, where the Gospel day
sheds not its glorious ray,
let there be light!

2. Thou who didst come to bring
on thy redeeming wing
healing and sight,
heal to the sick in mind,
sight to the in-ly blind,
now to all humankind,
let there be light!

3. Spirit of truth and love,
life-giving holy Dove,
speed forth thy flight!
Move on the waters' face
bearing the gifts of grace,
and in earth's darkest place,
let there be light!

4. Holy and blessèd Three,
glorious Trinity,
Wisdom, Love, Might;
boundless as ocean's tide,
rolling in fullest pride,
through the world far and wide,
let there be light!