Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
2 Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. (Lutheran Service Book 507)
Today is Holy Trinity Sunday. We praise God on this Sunday in full, the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy," is a hymn that is well-known and used throughout the church year, but it is also a hymn known for its praise and worship of the Trinity. "It is the personal union of the Godhead in three persons, the feed Trinity, that forms the core and substance of this hymn. "Holy, holy, holy" not only expresses the hallowed nature of God but also the Trinity in the divine name. Reflecting the plurality of persons, the hymn writer repeatedly uses triplets: God is "holy, merciful and mighty" (stanza 1). He is worshiped by saints, cherubim, and seraphim (stanza 2)."
Isaiah 6:2-3 is the inspiration for this hymn: Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Other passages include Revelation 4:2-11, Exodus 15:11 and Revelation 7:9-12.
As we praise God, we see the depth and richness of the hymns unfold as we lift our voices in praise of him. The last line in stanza 2 reveals the eternal nature of God - "which wert, are and evermore shall be."
Our God is eternal, having been before creation through today and into eternity. Our creator, redeemer and giver of strength and faith.
Pray with me: Gracious God, Holy Father, we praise and worship You formally every Sunday and acknowledge You daily in prayer and devotion. We give thanks to You, ask for help from You and seek forgiveness as we come to You in prayer. Your Son and His sacrificial gift give us the assurance of eternity with You. Our faith is also a gift from Your Spirit. We worship You and give thanks to You for all You do - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.