Log in to make the most of Hymnary.org collections.
Not for tongues of heaven's angelsAuthor: Timothy Dudley-Smith (1985)Published in 13 hymnals Printable scores: PDF, SibeliusAudio files: MIDI | ||
1 Not for tongues of heaven's angels,
not for wisdom to discern,
not for faith that masters mountains,
for this better gift we yearn:
may love be ours, O Lord.
2 Love is humble, love is gentle,
love is tender, true and kind;
love is gracious, ever patient,
generous of heart and mind:
may love be ours, O Lord.
3 Never jealous, never selfish,
love will not rejoice in wrong;
never boastful nor resentful,
love believes and suffers long:
may love be ours, O Lord.
4 In the day this world is fading
faith and hope will play their part;
but when Christ is seen in glory
love shall reign in every heart:
may love be ours, O Lord.
Timothy Dudley-Smith OBE (born 26 December 1926) is an English hymnwriter and a retired bishop of the Church of England.
Born in Manchester, United Kingdom, he was educated at Tonbridge School and Pembroke College, Cambridge. He was ordained deacon in 1950 and priest in 1951. He served as Archdeacon of Norwich 1973-81 and Bishop of Thetford 1981-91. He also served as President of the Evangelical Alliance. Since his retirement in 1991, he has lived in the cathedral city of Salisbury, England. His wife, Arlette, died on 14 December 2007.
Dudley-Smith is known as a prolific writer of texts for hymns, including the well-known "Tell Out, my Soul". He is a member and honorary vice-president of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland.… Go to person page >| First Line: | Not for tongues of heaven's angels |
| Title: | Not for Tongues of Heaven's Angels |
| Author: | Timothy Dudley-Smith (1985) |
| Meter: | 8.7.8.7 with refrain |
| Language: | English |
| Refrain First Line: | May love be ours, Lord |
| Copyright: | © 1985, Hope Publishing Co. |
Piano/Organ
| ![]() |
ChoralMore Choral > | ![]() |
