Before the Throne of God Above (The Advocate)

This hymn is a statement of faith and trust in God.

The words were written in 1863 by Church of Ireland minister's daughter Charitie Lees Smith Bancroft (1841-1923). The hymn was originally called "The Advocate".

Tunes that it has been set to include:

SWEET HOUR by William B. Bradbury, published in 1861
DUANE STREET by George Coles (1792-1858)
SAGINA by Thomas Campbell, published in 1835
BRESLAU by Leipzig, published in 1625. (In Long Meter, with 6 verses of four lines)

As well, a number of contemporary Christian musicians have performed it to an un-named new tune by Vikki Cooke. All on-line examples that have been found find use this new tune.

Downloads

PowerPoint slides

Lead sheet, as performed by Selah

Vikki Cook's tune, arranged by Joel Raney for SAB Choir, Piano or Handbells and optional Rhythm. Hope Publishing Company

Examples

Lead singer and chorus with Celtic band:

Band - professional recording, words on-screen:

Congregation with piano-led band, words on-screen:

Family band, professional recording:

Choir and congregation with organ:

Lyrics

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless saviour died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I Am,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Saviour and my God!