I recently heard an Icelandic hymn for the first time. The title is Heyr Himna Smidur (Hear, Smith of the Heavens). The text was composed in the 13th century, while the current tune was written several hundred years later.
The melody filled my ears and crept into my heart until I couldn’t stop humming it. I knew I had to write new English words for it…and I sat down to do so in less than an hour one afternoon.
Here let me share my own lyrics-song. Below that, you will find a recording of me singing it, followed by a recording of the original. Be blessed.
* Daily Prayer *
In the light of morning
God displays His glory
And He pours His love
To cleanse my heart
Oh how I need Him
Need His bright goodness
In my mind my Guide makes wisdom shine
When the noon sun blazes
Let my soul sing praise
To the Lord whose strength
Gives me voice to speak
And let me also lift high His mighty name
When I face the trial, the heat, the pain
Evening falls now, dimly
Gloaming brings the stars
My Lord rules the night
As He has the day
So I will lie down
And find sleep in peace
For God will keep watch over everything