I’ve sung this hymn many times before, but I never really paid attention to the words until today. Like the Te Deum, it lists members of the Church Triumphant, and reminds us that all the saints, past and present, in heaven and on earth, join together in singing praises to God. I think it’s now one of my favorite hymns!

Ye watchers and ye holy ones,
Bright seraphs, cherubim, and thrones,
Raise the glad strain: “Alleluia!”
Cry out, dominions, princedoms, pow’rs,
Virtues, archangels, angels’ choirs:
“Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

O higher than the cherubim,
More glorious than the seraphim,
Lead their praises: “Alleluia!”
Thou bearer of the eternal Word,
Most gracious, magnify the Lord:
“Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
Ye patriarchs and prophets blest:
“Alleluia, alleluia!”
Ye holy Twelve, ye martyrs strong,
All saints triumphant, raise the song:
“Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

O friends, in gladness let us sing,
Supernal anthems echoing:
“Alleluia, alleluia!
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One:
“Alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!” Lutheran Service Book #670