This is eclectic, convergent, catholic worship at its best. A 6th century text originally written for the Holy Week offices of the medieval church we discovered in the Presbyterian ‘Trinity’ hymnal paired with a familiar Southern Harmony tune “Holy Manna.” We recorded this song very appropriately gathered around one mic. From the CD ‘Mid All the Traffic‘. A great Easter romp.
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Praise the Savior now and ever;
Praise him, all beneath the skies;
Prostrate lying suff’ring, dying
On the cross, a sacrifice.
Vict’ry gaining life obtaining
Now in glory he doth rise.
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Man’s work faileth, Christ’s availeth;
He is all our righteousness;
He, our Savior, has forever
Set us free from dire distress.
Through his merit we inherit
Light and peace and happiness.
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Sin’s bond severed, we’re delivered;
Christ has bruised the serpent’s head;
Death no longer is the stronger
Hell itself is captive led.
Christ has risen from death’s prison;
O’er the tomb he light has shed.
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For his favor, praise forever
Unto God the Father sing;
Praise the Savior, praise him ever,
Son of God, our Lord and King.
Praise the Spirit; through Christ’s merit
He doth us salvation bring.
—
text: Venantius Fortunatus, 6th cent. {more info on Hymnary.org}
music: Holy Manna, alt.
arr. Bruce Benedict and Laura Bradham, 2006
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