“King of Glory, King of Peace” is a short poem from the collection, The Temple, by Welsh-born Anglican priest, poet, and orator George Herbert (1593-1633). A contemporary of William Shakespeare and John Milton, God-child to poet John Donne, Herbert is associated with the 17th-century Metaphysical poets and “is remembered as a pivotal figure: enormously popular, deeply and broadly influential, and arguably the most skillful and important British devotional lyricist of his or any other time” (see citation).
Shortly before his death in 1633 at age 39, Herbert directed that a manuscript of his religious poems be sent to his fellow clergyman and friend, Nicholas Ferrar, reportedly saying, “Tell him … if he can think it may turn to the advantage of any dejected poor Soul, let it be made publick: if not, let him burn it: for I and it, are less than the least of God’s mercies.” First published in 1633, The Temple was an enormously popular work, totaling more than 20,000 copies printed in 13 editions between 1633 and 1679.
Titled “Praise” by Herbert, the poem commonly known as “King of Glory, King of Peace” expresses in each of its first two stanzas the intent of the author and the action of God:
In stanza 1, the author states, “King of glory, King of peace, I will love thee … I will move thee [to action by my earnest prayer].” He then acknowledges God’s action: “Thou hast granted my request … thou hast heard me … thou hast spared me.”
In stanza 2, the author expresses the intent to honor God with his “utmost art” of praise in song, and to bring God the very best of his heart and devotion, like the cream that rises to the top of milk. Though the author’s sins accuse him, God hears his prayers and clears (forgives) him.
In stanza 3, the author expresses his intent to praise God every day — not just “one in sev’n” — as the host of heaven unceasingly praises the King of kings and Lord of lords. The author concludes by acknowledging the inadequacy of his praise, heartfelt as it may be: “Small it is in this poor sort to enroll Thee” (it is a small thing, and insufficient, for this humble person to praise and adore the King of glory) … “e’en eternity’s too short to extol [praise] Thee.”
This medium-easy anthem is ideal for Christ the King Sunday (the last Sunday after Pentecost, preceding Advent I), or as a hymn of praise at any time.
SATB/organ score (4 pages, 8.5×11″)
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