Blest are the Poor in Heart

This hymn loosely reflects the ideas of the Beatitudes.

The words are based on "Purification", a poem by John Keble (1792-1866). It was first published in 1827.

With meter of SM (6.6.8.6), it is usually sung to the tune FRANCONIA, which was first published in Harmonischer Liederschatz (1738).

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

SATB choral arrangement, composed by Hugh Benham

Examples

Cathedral choir with organ - recorded during a service:

Singer with guitar:

Instrumental - synthesized:

Professional choir with very light organ backing:

Instrumental - Organ:

Lyrics

Blest are the pure in heart,
For they shall see our God;
The secret of the Lord is theirs;
Their soul is Christ’s abode.

The Lord, who left the heavens
Our life and peace to bring,
To dwell in lowliness with us
Our pattern and our King.

Still to the lowly soul
He doth Himself impart;
And for His cradle and His throne
Chooseth the pure in heart.

Lord, we Thy presence seek;
May ours this blessing be;
Give us a pure and lowly heart,
A temple meet for Thee.