Skip to main content

O Church Arise!

By Fanny J. Crosby (1902)

Lyrics

1. O Church of God, arise!
Reach out thy helping hand,
And like a trumpet let thy voice
Go forth to ev’ry land;
Lay not thine armor down,
Nor cease by day or night,
To lift the sword of Gospel truth,
And wield it for the right.
Refrain
Then arise in thy glory, O Church of God, arise!
’Tis the dawn of the morrow that greets thy waiting eyes
But cloud and mist and shadow must all be rolled away.
But cloud and mist and shadow must all be rolled away.
Before the world will usher in the long expected day.
2. O Church of God, arise!
Thy borders wide extend,
And o’er the earth’s remotest bounds
Thy heralds quickly send;
Thine armies now are great,
But greater they must be,
For ev’ry nation, ev’ry clime
Shall yet rejoice in thee.
3. O Church of God, arise!
The grand old choral strain
Of peace on earth, good will to man,
That rang on Judah’s plain,
O’er all the world shall ring,
And echo far and wide,
And then the King, thy Lord, shall come,
And claim His faithful bride.
Start planning with this hymn

Revelation 19:7–9; Luke 2:10–14; Ephesians 6:10–18; Mark 16:15

Scripture index

Lectionary & readings

Open today’s (or any date’s) assigned scriptures and find related hymns across church calendars. Useful when planning worship around this song’s themes or its Bible reference.

Hymn scripture: Revelation 19:7–9; Luke 2:10–14; Ephesians 6:10–18; Mark 16:15

About This Hymn

"O Church Arise!" is a stirring hymn penned by Fanny J. Crosby in 1902. Crosby, renowned for her prolific hymn writing, composed this piece to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith and actively engage in the mission of spreading the gospel. The hymn's lyrics call the church to "put your armor on" and to "reach out thy helping hand," echoing the apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6:10–18 to don the full armor of God.

Musically, the hymn is set to the tune "O Church of God, Arise!" composed by John R. Sweney. Sweney, a contemporary of Crosby, was a prominent composer and music director in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Together, Crosby and Sweney created a hymn that not only emphasizes the church's mission but also encourages a resolute and active faith.

The hymn has been included in various hymnals, such as "The New Living Hymns" (Living Hymns No. 2), "The Hymnal" (1955 edition), and "The Cyber Hymnal," reflecting its enduring appeal in Christian worship. Its message continues to resonate, urging the church to arise and fulfill its calling in the world.

Hymn Sheet for O Church Arise!

Want weekly hymns and devotionals?

⭐ Recommend This Hymn

Share this beautiful hymn with others

This hymn also appears in these hymnals

Click a spine to pull out the hymnal, then open it.

Hymns with the same subject

More hymns about Battle, Church, Joy, Marriage, Scripture

Latest Updated Hymnals

  • Book of Common Praise (BoCP1915)
    Book of Common Praise (BoCP1915)
    Updated 3 days, 23 hours ago · 1915
    Open
  • The New Apostolic Church Hymnal
    The New Apostolic Church Hymnal
    Updated 1 week, 2 days ago · 2008
    Open
  • 400+ Christmas Carols Book: Sheet Music for Piano
    400+ Christmas Carols Book: Sheet Music for Piano
    Updated 1 week, 3 days ago · 2014
    Open
  • The Temple Hymnal
    The Temple Hymnal
    Updated 1 week, 3 days ago · 1918
    Open
  • The Popular Hymnal
    The Popular Hymnal
    Updated 1 week, 3 days ago · 1918
    Open

Hymn Information

image of O Church Arise! of Fanny J. Crosby
  • Category: Hymn
  • Subjects: Battle Church Joy Marriage Scripture
  • Tune(s): O Church of God, arise
  • Composer(s): John Robson Sweney
  • Meter: 6.6.8.6
  • Written by: Fanny J. Crosby
  • Year written: 1902
  • Added: 1 year, 1 month ago
  • Last Updated: 8 months, 3 weeks ago
  • Views: 2832

Click a linked name to open their biography.

MIDI File

Ready to load
Open in MIDI Studio Download in MIDI Studio

Visit Us on Social Media

Latest from X (Twitter)
Latest from Facebook

Latest on YouTube

Loading latest video...

Daily Bible Verse

Disclaimer

The hymns, sheet music, MIDI files, and related content on this website are provided for educational and research purposes only.

  • Public Domain: Many of the hymns featured here are in the public domain and may be freely used.
  • Copyrighted Works: Some hymns may still be under copyright protection. Where applicable, permission has either been requested from the copyright owner, or the content is shared under the principles of fair use for educational purposes.

⚠️ Important Notice: If you wish to reproduce, distribute, or use any copyrighted hymn beyond personal study or educational use, you must obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. This website does not grant any rights for commercial use yet.

If there is any other question please address it to us in our Contact Page, for further assistance. Thank you for using the site. May God Bless You.

Can’t find a hymn or lyric?

Leave your question in the forum for others to answer — requests, missing lines, writers, and worship ideas welcome.