A Hymn for Saint Michael and All Angels
Below is a hymn I have written for the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels. It is ten verses long, and is set to the tune of “The Royal Banners Forward Go (LSB 455),” a marvelous Good Friday hymn, the tune for which I feel is well suited for the occasion of Saint Michael and All Angels.
I was moved by another Saint Michael and All Angels hymn, “Lord God to Thee We Give All Praise,” to encapsulate the magnificent yet mysterious chaos that ensued as Satan attempted to thwart God’s authority. The battle must certainly have been incredible, yet the warfare is far more destructive on earth. For while the godly angels war against Satan and his legions, the devil has lured many away from the fold of God, and will not rest until he is once and for all thrown into his steely, eternal cage of fire.
A helpful organ recording of the tune is provided here. I pray blessings to all in your keeping of the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels. May God grant us their blessed protection here in this life and their watchful eye as we pass from this life to the eternal realms of His heavenly glory!
All praise to Christ, Thou mighty King,
Thou art the Lord of everything;
All things are kept within Thy hand,
And we in faith before Thee stand.
Though once in heaven Satan stood
And was by nature just and good,
He was consumed by pride and rage;
In combat thus did he engage.
Oh, dreadful day! What frightening sight
That God’s own angels thence would fight!
The serpent in his rage defied
God’s perfect Word in sin and pride.
The godly angels, Michael’s band,
Firmly in faith and love did stand
To crush the ancient serpent’s head
And crown him prince of all the dead.
How sad the day when Satan fell
And by His pride was doomed to hell!
He who rebels against the Lord
Shall suffer under His just sword.
On earth does Satan tempt the bride
Of He who for the world once died
And rose again new life to bring—
All praise to Christ, our mighty King!
Take, heart! He fights—the God made man!
As angels too on every hand
Protect God’s Church, His chosen few,
While He with love our hearts renews.
The battle rages, yet is won
By God’s dear treasure, Christ His Son!
Comfort we have in Him alone
Who flung the devil from His throne.
This is our comfort and defense:
Christ is our stay and confidence!
He, with His legions of great light,
Protect us with such valiant might.
All praise to Christ the Victor be
And to the Father thus shall we
Raise hymns of thanks and endless joy
And to the Spirit praise employ.
Amen.
That is a wonderful hymn! Thank you so much for writing and posting it!