By my Spirit (Not By Might Nor Power)

This short worship chorus was written by Almeda Herrick (1898-1961). It was first released by Gospel Publishing House in 1957.

The text was inspired by Zechariah 4:6-7.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Herrick. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are AG F_ AG F_ FGF E G F.

The chorus was included in the 1971 publication Songs of the Spirit. Sheet music for the whole song is still available for purchase (link below).

A number of alternative settings of this, and similar, texts have been released.

hymn title superiposed on a mountain with sun-lit background - It's not by might, nor by power, But by my Spirit saith the Lord. It's not by might, nor by power, But by my spirit saith the Lord. This mountain shall be removed. This mountain shall be removed. This mountain shall be removed. It's by my Spirit saith the Lord. 1 Is there a mountain in your way? Do doubts and fears abound? Press on, oh, hear the Spirit say, this mountain shall come down. 2 Is there a river in your path, a river deep and wide? Step in the waters will roll back, you'll reach the other side. 3 Is there a fiery furnace trial, far more than you can bear? Behold the blessed Son of God, is walking with you there. 4 Then trust alone the mighty God, He speaks the winds obey. Take courage, then, oh fainting heart for you He'll make a way.

Image: Photo by Paolo Costa Baldi. License: GFDL/CC-BY-SA 3.0 (ref)

Downloads

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SATB choir; optional orchestra, arranged by Joseph Linn.

Examples

As the first song in a medley, lead singer and backing band:

Professional video of a setting by Lesley Phillips:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website (no 24). A rough outline is:

Chorus:
It's not by might, nor by power,
But by my Spirit saith the Lord.
It's not by might, nor by power,
But by my spirit saith the Lord.
This mountain shall be removed.
This mountain shall be removed.
This mountain shall be removed.
It's by my Spirit saith the Lord.

1 Is there a mountain in your way? ...

2 Is there a river in your path ...

3 Is there a fiery furnace trial ...

4 Then trust alone the mighty God ...