Opening Prayer
Thrice-holy God, we come before you in reverent awe. Like the seraphim who cry “Holy, holy, holy” before your throne, we join the eternal song of praise. As we meditate on your holiness, mercy, and might, open our hearts to glimpse your glory. Though we are sinful, draw us near by your grace. In the name of our triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – Amen.
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
By Reginald Heber
Revelation 4:8-11
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty;
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Which wert, and art, and ever more shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see;
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty;
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Key Principles from this Hymn
- God’s holiness sets him utterly apart from all creation. The threefold repetition of “holy” echoes Isaiah’s vision and heaven’s eternal worship, emphasizing God’s moral perfection and otherness.
- Our God exists eternally as three Persons in perfect unity. This profound truth, while beyond full human comprehension, is fundamental to Christian worship and understanding of God’s nature.
- All creation – saints, angels, and every created thing – exists to praise God. His worthiness to receive worship stems from his eternal nature, perfect attributes, and mighty works.
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
- How does understanding God’s holiness affect your approach to worship?
- What does it mean to you that God is “merciful and mighty?”
- How does the image of saints and angels casting down their crowns challenge your own worship?
- In what ways does “the darkness” hide God from your view?
- How does the doctrine of the Trinity enrich your understanding of God’s love?
- What aspects of creation most powerfully declare God’s holiness to you?
- How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s holiness in your daily life?
Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon
- But the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness. (Isaiah 5:16)
- For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)
- Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. (Revelation 15:4)
- Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. (Isaiah 30:18)
- The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)
Action Steps
- Begin each day this week by reading this hymn as a prayer, focusing on a different aspect of God’s character each time.
- Create a “praise journal” documenting daily observations of God’s holiness reflected in creation, Scripture, and experience.
- Practice intentional moments of silent reverence before God, acknowledging his holiness and your dependence on his mercy.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Almighty God, we thank you for your perfect holiness that sets you apart from all creation. We praise you for being merciful despite your might, and mighty despite your mercy. Thank you for revealing yourself as Trinity – the perfect community of love. We’re grateful that though darkness may hide you from our physical sight, you have made yourself known through creation, Scripture, and supremely in Christ. For your perfect power, love, and purity, we give you thanks. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.
Petition – prayers for yourself
- Spiritual Warfare
- Growth in Christlikeness
- Increasing faithfulness in the spiritual disciplines
- My health
- For my ordinary appointments and activities to become divine appointments and activities.
- Other needs
Intercession – prayers for others
- My Family
- Mercy for those who are poor and hungry
- Justice for those who are oppressed and persecuted
- Love for those who oppress and persecute others
- Peace for those in the midst of war, crime, and violence
- Other needs
Quotation from Church History
“Holiness is not the way to Christ. Christ is the way to holiness.” (Charles Spurgeon)
Thank you for joining me for this Sunday Morning Devotion. If it has encouraged you, please share it with others. For many more devotionals, Bible studies, and resources, visit Walking Points. May God bless and strengthen you as you live for his glory!
