Today was the first "regular" service at which we introduced Compline's hymn "Before the Ending of the Day." I was surprised at how well it was sung. I shouldn't have been. I mean, St. Paul's is a musical congregation and the hymn is largely one note. Is there a better hymn to close off the day, I ask you? It asks for everything needful. Singing it as the last hymn of Evening Prayer gave us a flavor of Compline too.
Yes,the Hymn was nice to become acquainted with...and yes the Hymn is largely one note... and yes I struggled with that even looking at the music on the 1st verse thinking there have got to be some note changes... so, I made a few up on the 2nd verse( always and adventure) and safely returned the intended singing of the Hymn on the 3rd verse...
ReplyDeleteMy all time favorite closing evening
ReplyDeletehymn is LSB 878 "Abide With Me,
Fast Falls The Eventide" Those 6
stanzas say it all.
This hymn is a joy to sing before going cheerfully to bed. Every night my wife and I sing Now I Law Me Down To Sleep, which is nice, but I've been campaigning to switch to Before The Ending Of The Day for some time now. My congregation also sang this evening hymn last night as part of our Advent Compline. It's a treasure!
ReplyDeleteLuke Boehringer
Te lucis ante terminum. Ah, what a gem.
ReplyDelete