A Litany for Ascension Day

Based on Texts from J. S. Bach's Cantana "Gott fahret auf mit Jauchzen" (BWV 43)

Updated April 2024

For two voices and the congregation. (Voice 1, Voice 2, All)

Our God goes up with shouts of joy!
Our Lord ascends to the sound of trumpets!

Sing praises to our God, sing praises!
Sing praises, sing praises to our King!  

The Almighty rides in triumph.
The Almighty leads captivity captive.
Who shouts for joy? Who blows the trumpet?
The hosts of heaven sing the honor of his name;
they praise him with an endless alleluia.

Sing praises to our God, sing praises!
Sing praises, sing praises to our King!

The Lord has brought down death itself.
The Lord has wiped away the stain of sin.
The Lord has trodden the winepress of suffering;
he has paid the price to rescue the lost.
Now he returns to his throne of glory;
the hour has come to reclaim his crown.

Sing praises to our God, sing praises!
Sing praises, sing praises to our King!

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Life,
now reigns in heaven with the Father.
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Life,
now rules in the congregation of the righteous.

Ascended Lord, how can we honor you enough?
Ascended Lord, how can we rightly praise the victory you have won?
Prepare us for that welcome day
when we shall behold you in all your majesty.
Prepare us for that welcome day
when we shall stand before you and rejoice forever.

Sing praises to our God, sing praises!
Sing praises, sing praises to our King!

David J. Diephouse teaches history at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

 

Reformed Worship 83 © March 2007, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Used by permission.