By Precepts Taught Of Ages Past – Hymn Lyric
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By Precepts Taught Of Ages Past – Hymn Lyric
By precepts taught of ages past,
Now let us keep again the fast,
Which, year by year, in order meet
Of forty days is made complete.
The law and seers that were of old
In divers ways this Lent foretold,
Which Christ Himself, the Lord and Guide
Of every season, sanctified.
More sparing therefore let us make
The words we speak, the food we take,
Deny ourselves in mirth and sleep,
In stricter watch our senses keep.
In prayer together let us fall,
And cry for mercy, one and all;
And weep before the Judge, and say,
O turn from us Thy wrath away.
Thy grace have we offended sore
By sins, O God, which we deplore;
Pour down upon us from above
The riches of Thy pardoning love.
Remember, Lord, though frail we be,
That yet Thine handiwork are we:
Nor let the honor of Thy Name
Be by another put to shame.
Forgive the ill that we have wrought,
Increase the good that we have sought;
That we at length, our wanderings o’er,
May please Thee now and evermore.
Blest Three in One, and One in Three,
Almighty God, we pray to Thee,
That Thou wouldst now vouchsafe to bless
Our fast with fruits of righteousness.
Meaning of By Precepts Taught Of Ages Past
“By Precepts Taught Of Ages Past” is a hymn filled with profound wisdom and has timeless relevance. It underscores the importance of engaging in Lent, a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. The hymn beautifully illustrates the significance and the spirituality that surrounds the practice of fasting for forty days. This period, as portrayed in the hymn, is a season of spiritual purification and enlightenment derived from the ancient teachings or “precepts.”
Rooted in the precepts of the law and the ancient seers, Lent is considered as an essential period of fasting, prayer, and penance. It reflects one of the fundamental tenets of many faiths: self-discipline and faith. But what are these precepts or teachings?
The understanding of these teachings begins with acknowledging the law and the prophets (‘seers’) of old who foretold the importance of Lent. Lent is more than just consistent fasting; it’s an opportunity to follow the approach Christ took. It’s about following the path of righteousness as set by Christ Himself who emerged as the glorious guide of all seasons and sanctified the period of Lent. This significance is what pushes us to respect and to keep this fasting season religiously every year.
As the hymn suggests, Lent also allows us to practice self-restraint in several aspects of our lives. We can be “more sparing” in our consumption, not just regarding the food we eat but also in the words we speak. Folded within these lines is the wisdom that fasting is not only about denying ourselves food but also about maintaining a strict watch over our senses. Lent is a time to take a step back from unnecessary indulgences, to reflect, to repent, and to practice self-control, reminding ourselves that there’s more to life than just our individual needs and desires.
The hymn encourages us to unite in prayer and seek mercy from the Almighty. It’s a gentle reminder that we are all equals before God’s judgment. Additionally, it points out the significance of empathy and unity during this period. After all, each of us has sins for which we need to seek forgiveness.
Moreover, “By Precepts Taught Of Ages Past” highlights the universal human frailty – how we all have wronged and how we all have goodness within us. It invites us to reflect on our actions and prompts us to ask for forgiveness for our faults and increase our good deeds. It echoes the idea that none of us are perfect, but through repentance and good deeds, we can always strive for better.
The hymn reaffirms our faith by remembering and acknowledging that we are God’s creation. It pleads for God’s mercy so that we won’t bring shame upon His name. This line reinforces our responsibility towards the Creator to uphold his honor through our thoughts, words, and actions.
Lastly, “By Precepts Taught Of Ages Past” serves as a reminder to all of us about the significance of prayer in our lives. It urges us to ask God to bless us during this solemn period of fasting with fruitful outcomes leading to righteousness and purity of thought, word, and deed.
So you see, this hymn is not just a religious versification; it’s an awakening call to all of us. It’s an invitation to step into a spiritual journey where every step we take brings us closer to divine enlightenment. By celebrating Lent and echoing the sentiments of “By Precepts Taught Of Ages Past,” we are reviving those precepts, those age-old teachings that bear the wisdom of self-restraint and righteousnessa wisdom that is timeless and relevant still today.
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