Text: Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908)
Tune: JOANNA 11. 11. 11. 11.
Genre: Western Hymn
Language: English
Scripture References: 1 Timothy 1:17
Liturgical Functions/Seasons: worship of God the Father, Processional, Call to Worship, Praises/Adoration
Themes:
Hymnal Reference: Baptist Hymnal 1956 edition #43
This hymn is a Western hymn. It is an ancient Christian hymn that reveals the invisible nature of God. The hymn text was written by Walter Chalmers Smith, a poet, author, and ordained pastor of the Free Church of Scotland, in the late 19th century. This hymn shows attributes and magnificent descriptions of God. In short, it is one of the hymns that are suitable for praise and worship of the Highest God in Christian worship.
We use this hymn to describe the attributes and magnificence of God. We use the hymn for processional and congregational singing. We also use it for praise and worship during worship services.
Lyrics
- Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise. - Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
thy justice like mountains high soaring above
thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love. - To all life thou givest, to both great and small;
in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
and wither and perish but naught changeth thee. - Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all praise we would render, O help us to see
’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.
Sources:
https://hymnary.org/hymn/HoCU1964/93
https://phamoxmusic.com/immortal-invisible-god-only-wise/#:~:text=The%20hymn%20Immortal%20Invisible%20God%20Only%20Wise%20is%20an%20ancient,in%20the%20late%2019th%20century
https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/14
Contributed by Solomon Tunde Ajayi.
