By my Spirit (It's Not By Might Nor Power)

This is a short worship chorus, inspired by Zechariah 4:6-7.

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

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

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:

Instrumental - electronic organ

Chinese-language: singer, with keyboard - on screen lyrics, including English subtitles

Singer with guitar + effects:

Duet with high-energy backing track:

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 of hosts.
It's not by might, nor by power,
But by my spirit saith the Lord of hosts.
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 ...