LDS Hymn #24

Hymn #24 - God Bless Our Prophet Dear

This is a hymn I know I know, but if asked to hum the tune, couldn't do so without the music. Yet it is another good prophet song, with another prayer for our prophet. Included in that prayer is that others will hear his words, throughout the world, and that it will help us be united.

From the history book
The poem first appeared in 1855, but the words were a little altered since then. There was another verse, which was first, and which applied mostly to Utah Saints. To be more universal with the worldwide Church, they left that verse out (and thus had to change the tune title from "Our God, We Raise to Thee" to the current). Other changes were more for grammar or singability. The tune name is Ephraim, because the composer is from that town in Utah. The tune was submitted for the 1948 hymnal, but did not make it in. When matched with this text, it was then included in our current hymnal.

Lyrics

1. 1. God bless our prophet dear;
   May health and comfort cheer
   His noble heart.
   His words with fire impress
   On souls that thou wilt bless
   To choose in righteousness
   The better part.
2. 2. So shall thy kingdom spread,
   As by thy prophets said,
   From sea to sea.
   Truth burns in ev'ry soul;
   As one united whole,
   We hasten to the goal
   We long to see.
3. 3. Oh, may thy Saints be one,
   Like Father and the Son,
   Nor disagree.
   United heart and hand,
   So may we ever stand,
   A firm and valiant band
   Eternally.
4. Text: Bernard Snow, 1822-1894, alt.
   Music: Harry A. Dean, 1892-1987. (c) 1985 IRI