Here’s a revised version of “For all the Saints” written by Marnie Barrell.
She writes, “A few years back I took the liberty of writing an amended version of "For all the Saints", since many of our congregation enjoy singing it but have reservations about some of the theology, language and imagery. In case anyone's interested, here's my alternative version.”
For all the Saints
For all the saints, who from their labours rest,
who to the world their faith in God confessed,
your name, O Jesus, be forever blessed, alleluia!
You were their leader, true unfailing light,
column of cloud by day and fire by night,
known in the dark by faith, though lost from sight, alleluia!
So may your people still their footsteps trace,
fired by their triumphs in the well-run race,
longing with them to see your glorious face, alleluia!
Soon dawns the promised day of Christ our Lord
when all creation rises up restored,
and all our song, from heart and soul outpoured: "Alleluia!"
From every age, from dawn to setting sun,
home come the saints to God the Three-in-One,
bringing eternal praise on earth begun, alleluia!
— W.W. How (1823-87), this revised version Marnie Barrell, 1992, used by permission. Posted on the Homilies by Email website.
who to the world their faith in God confessed,
your name, O Jesus, be forever blessed, alleluia!
You were their leader, true unfailing light,
column of cloud by day and fire by night,
known in the dark by faith, though lost from sight, alleluia!
So may your people still their footsteps trace,
fired by their triumphs in the well-run race,
longing with them to see your glorious face, alleluia!
Soon dawns the promised day of Christ our Lord
when all creation rises up restored,
and all our song, from heart and soul outpoured: "Alleluia!"
From every age, from dawn to setting sun,
home come the saints to God the Three-in-One,
bringing eternal praise on earth begun, alleluia!
— W.W. How (1823-87), this revised version Marnie Barrell, 1992, used by permission. Posted on the Homilies by Email website.
For more resources for All Saints Day (November 1), click on All Saints in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
