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