Score and Recording
Program Note and Lyrics
Written in 2013 or 2014 for Bethel CRC in Waupun, WI, this hymn has a structure reminiscent of Debussy’s “The Sunken Cathedral” in which each passing verse grows more harmonious and vibrant like it is rising up out of the water. The full range of the keyboard is used to evoke chiming bells, which take on a poignancy after the final verse’s text “when life’s swift race is run, death’s cold work almost done” is truncated and the bells chime with an unresolved sense of anticipation.
1. My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away.
O let me from this day be wholly thine!
2. May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire.
As thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be
a living fire!
3. When life’s dark maze I tread
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide.
Bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
4. When life’s swift race is run,
death’s cold work almost done
…
O bear me safe above,
Redeemed and free!
1. My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away.
O let me from this day be wholly thine!
2. May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire.
As thou hast died for me,
O may my love to thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be
a living fire!
3. When life’s dark maze I tread
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide.
Bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow’s tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
4. When life’s swift race is run,
death’s cold work almost done
…
O bear me safe above,
Redeemed and free!