This edition was prepared by Barry Johnston — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Dedication Anthem
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Dedication Anthem by Timothy Swan — Lyrics
Swan 1801
The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice,
Let the multitude of the nations be glad.
Honor and majesty are before him,
strength and beauty are in his countenance.
Sing praises unto God;
make a joyful noise to the God of our salvation.
Who hath inclined our hearts
to praise him in the house of prayer.
But will God indeed dwell on earth,
Will he affix his name unto the temple which men have builded?
Behold, the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee,
How much less then this house?
And now, Lord, our eyes are unto thee for thy blessing.
Have thou respect to the prayer of thy servants,
Hear thou our supplication.
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About Dedication Anthem
Timothy Swan's Dedication Anthem for SATB voices unfolds with a jubilant exultation based on scriptural passages. The music opens with a declaration of God's reign, immediately inviting the earth to rejoice. The text then shifts to an expression of awe before divine honor and majesty, before returning to a call for joyful praise. The anthem contemplates the divine presence, questioning whether earthly structures can contain God, yet ultimately turns to supplication, seeking blessing and divine regard for the house of prayer. This sacred work, set in English, offers a powerful and reflective musical setting suitable for dedication services or other occasions of congregational praise.
