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SDAH 657
O God from whom mankind derives its name;
Whose covenant of grace remains the same,
Be with these two who now before You wait;
Enlarge the love they come to consecrate.
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Fred Kaan (1929-; see Biographies), a United Church in England minister who has achieved worldwide acceptance for the creativity of his hymn texts, wrote most of them to fill a special need. In some communions the congregation always sings a hymn or two in the wedding service. It is a beautiful way for the family and friends to join voices in praise of the God of love and in prayers for those just beginning their life together. Fred Kaan has added this one to our wedding repertoire, a thoughtful prayer for the bridal pair. It was written in 1965 during his ministry in Plymouth and appears in Pilgrim Praise, 1967.
Melvin West (1930-; see Biographies) has given us a smoothly flowing tune that, while “romantic” in style, still maintains the dignity desired for this sacred service. It can be sung by a soloist, by a few voices, or by the whole assembly in unison.
West has named the tune SLY PARK, (composed for this hymnal) after a place that has special memories for his family.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
O God from whom mankind derives its name;
Whose covenant of grace remains the same,
Be with these two who now before You wait;
Enlarge the love they come to consecrate.
2
May through their union other lives be blessed;
Their door be wide to stranger and to guest,
Give them the understanding that is kind,
Grant them the blessing of an open mind.
3
Preserve their days from inwardness of heart;
To each the gift of truthful speech impart.
Their bond be strong against all strain and strife
Amid the changes of this earthly life.
4
From stage to stage on life’s unfolding way
Bring to their mind the vows they make this day,
Your Spirit be their Guide in every move,
Their faith in Christ the basis of their love.
Hymn Info
Author
Fred H. Kaan (1929-2009)
Performance Suggestions
Unison
Copyright
Words copyright 1968 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music copyright 1984 by Melvin West
Hymn Tune
SLY PARK
Metrical Number
10.10.10.10.
Composer
Melvin West (1930-)
Year Composed
1984
Alternate Tune
MORECAMBE, SDAH 266
