Holy Ground (This is holy ground)

This is a song about the holiness of the earth:  It was initially inspired by Exodus 3:5, and related scripture passages include Acts 7:33; 1 Timothy 2:8.

It was written by American pastor, singer-songwriter and later vocal coach, Christopher Beatty (b 1944), and first released / published in 1986 by BMG Songs.  The original song had four verses although only the first two are regularly sung (ref) today.

It is popular when new church-buildings are being dedicated, but can be used in many other contexts - including when praying for environmental issues.

Originally used mainly in evangelical churches, the song became very widely known after it was covered by American Roman Catholic and lay associate Franciscan John Michael Talbot (b 1954) under the Birdwing Music label in 1982.  Many people incorrectly believe that Talbot wrote the song.

It has been translated into a number of languages, including Dutch (Dit is heil'ge grond) and Korean ( 거룩한 땅에 ).

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Beatty. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are D E F DD.

Downloads

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Piano score

Examples

Solo singer, backing track:

John Michael Talbot recording - choir with light guitar accompaniment:

Professional chorus, unaccompanied - with additions:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1  This is holy ground, we're standing on holy ground ...

2  These are holy hands, He's given us holy hands ...

3  These are holy lips, He's given us holy lips ...

4  This is holy time, He's given us holy time ...

See more ...

• Hymns about creation
• Hymns about the environment

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
This is holy ground,
We're standing on holy ground
For the Lord is present
And where He is is ho - ly
This is holy ground,
We're standing on holy ground
For the Lord is present,
And where He is is holy.

These are holy hands;
He's given us holy hands.
He works through these hands
And so these hands are holy.
These are holy hands;
He's given us holy hands.
He works through these hands
And so these hands are holy.

These are holy lips.
He's given us holy lips.
He speaks through these lips,
And so these lips are holy.
These are holy lips.
He's given us holy lips.
He sings through these lips,
And so these lips are holy.

This is holy time.
He's given us holy time.
Time is His,
And He's given us this holy time.
This is holy time.
He's given us holy time.
Time is His,
And He's given us this holy time.