800. Sometimes a Light Surprises

1 Sometimes a light surprises
the child of God who sings;
it is the Lord who rises
with healing in his wings;
when comforts are declining,
he grants the soul again
a season of clear shining
to cheer it after rain.

2 In holy contemplation
we sweetly then pursue
the theme of God’s salvation
and find it ever new;
set free from present sorrow,
we cheerfully can say,
“Let the unknown tomorrow
bring with it what it may.”

3 It can bring with it nothing
but he will bear us through;
who gives the lilies clothing
will clothe his people, too;
beneath the spreading heavens
no creature but is fed;
and he who feeds the ravens
will give his children bread.

4 Though vine nor fig tree neither
their longed-for fruit should bear,
though all the fields should wither,
nor flocks nor herds be there,
yet God the same abiding,
his praise shall tune my voice;
for while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Text Information
First Line: Sometimes a light surprises
Title: Sometimes a Light Surprises
Author: William Cowper (1779, alt.)
Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2013
Scripture: ; ; ; ; ; ;
Topic: Care of Creation; Healing; Lament (2 more...)
Tune Information
Name: SALLEY GARDENS
Arranger: Alfred V. Fedak (2011)
Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
Key: C Major
Source: Irish folk melody
Copyright: Arr. © 2011 Alfred V. Fedak


Text Information:

This is one of the few hymns rooted in what can happen during worship, and that experience—gaining a spiritual insight while singing—is no less possible now than when this text was written in the 18th century. It is set here to a folk song variously labeled Irish or English.


Media
Audio recording: Audio (MP3)
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

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