The majesty and sovereignty of God lies at the root of the Christian worldview. God is not just the Creator of the universe, he is its Sovereign Ruler. This hymn captures the transcendent majesty of God. It is a call to worship, but more than that, it is a declaration of his absolute holiness. Reginald Heber, the author, was, at the time of his death, Bishop of the Church of England in Calcutta, India.

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, blessèd 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,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall 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, blessèd Trinity!

Reginald Heber (1783-1826)