Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#86

86. Lord, in the Desert Bleak and Bare

1. Lord, in the desert bleak and bare,
Still worked your righteous goal,
Still waked a mid wild beasts your care
To save unconscious souls.

2. We thank you, Savior, that when all
The tempter's pow'r was tried,
You did not angel legions call
To chase him from your side.

3. For us, you did endure a while
To teach us arms to wield,
Stronger than hellish force or wile:
Your Word, to us revealed.

4. Your Scriptures in that hour prevailed,
The tempter’s might to quell;
The flesh, the world, the Devil failed,
The threefold force of hell.

5. Deeply on ev’ry heart engraved
Be this, your conflict, Lord!
Each body, soul, and spirit saved
May thank you for your Word.

Text Information

• First Line: Lord, in the desert bleak and bare
• Title: Lord, in the Desert Bleak and Bare
• Author: John Keble (1841)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Matthew 4:1-2
• Topic: Lent
• Notes: Text by Anglican priest John Keble, from The Child’s Christian Year (1841), alt.

Tune Information

• Name: McKEE
• Adapter: Harry T. Burleigh (1940)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6
• Incipit: 13555 56776
• Key: C Major
• Notes: Tune McKEE, adapt. and arr. by Episcopal composer Harry T. Burleigh from the spiritual “The Angels Changed My Name,” published on broadsheets in 1940, then in the Episcopal Hymnal 1940 (1943).