Of the Father’s love begotten 

Scripture offers many examples of prayers of intercession in a time of national crisis. Yet they all manage to keep their primary emphasis on the Lord, even as those praying bring before Him the troubles they face. And so, as we lift the nation of Ukraine yet once more to the One who is King over all the nations, we begin with a wonderful translation of a Latin hymn celebrating the mystery of the incarnation, and the Father’s love for His Son.

It was penned in the late 4th century by Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, a lawyer from the north of Spain, but it would be many centuries before it was translated into English. In our recording, we read the words over an exquisite rendition of the music played by Christiane von Albrecht on keyboard, and Shirley Richards on the violin.

1 Of the Father's love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see
evermore and evermore.

2 Oh, that birth forever blessed
when the virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bore the Savior of our race,
and the babe, the world's Redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face
evermore and evermore.

3 This is he whom seers and sages
sang of old with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word.
Now he shines, the long-expected;
let creation praise its Lord
evermore and evermore.

4 Let the heights of heav'n adore him,
angel hosts his praises sing,
pow'rs, dominions bow before him
and extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ry voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore.

5 Christ, to thee, with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
and unending praises be,
honor, glory, and dominion
and eternal victory
evermore and evermore.

Prayer for Ukraine - Part one - Of the Father’s love begotten

The song started with God challenging me to sing at the keyboard one day when praying for a friend who was going through some very difficult things. It's a song that is highly appropriate for anyone going through hard times,  as the Psalmist cries out to the Lord in anguish, declaring God's strength, and that He is our Rock and refuge.

Written and sung by Sally Mowbray © 2022
Jo Garcia - Cello
Nicola Gerrard - Flute

Prayer for Ukraine - Part one - Of the Father’s love begotten

Ruach Breath of Life

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