Before The Throne Of God Above Piano Music
There are few hymns more beloved in the Christian church than "Before The Throne Of God Above." The hymn's lyrics, written by Charitie Lees Bancroft in 1863, have been set to several different melodies over the years. One of the most popular is a piano arrangement that has become a favorite among church pianists and congregations alike. In this article, we'll explore the origins of the hymn and the piano arrangement, as well as the significance of the song to Christians today.
The Origin Of "Before The Throne Of God Above"
Charitie Lees Bancroft wrote the lyrics to "Before The Throne Of God Above" when she was just 21 years old. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1841, Bancroft was the daughter of a minister and grew up with a deep love for hymns and Scripture. She wrote the lyrics to "Before The Throne Of God Above" while living in Paris, where her father was serving as a chaplain to the British Embassy.
The hymn's lyrics speak of the believer's confidence in Jesus Christ as their advocate before God. The opening lines set the tone for the entire song:
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
The hymn goes on to describe the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the security that the believer has in Him:
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Bancroft's lyrics are a powerful testament to the believer's hope in Christ, and have been a source of comfort and encouragement to Christians for over a century and a half.
The Piano Arrangement Of "Before The Throne Of God Above"
While "Before The Throne Of God Above" has been set to several different melodies over the years, one of the most popular arrangements is a piano arrangement by Vikki Cook. Cook, a worship leader and songwriter, set the hymn to music in 1997, and the song quickly became a favorite in churches across the United States.
Cook's piano arrangement of "Before The Throne Of God Above" is characterized by its simple, yet poignant melody. The arrangement is accessible to pianists of all skill levels, making it a favorite among church pianists. The song's gentle, reflective tone makes it an ideal choice for communion services or other worship settings where a sense of intimacy is desired.
The Significance Of "Before The Throne Of God Above" To Christians Today
Like many hymns, "Before The Throne Of God Above" has stood the test of time and continues to be sung by Christians around the world today. The hymn's message of hope and assurance in Christ is as relevant now as it was over 150 years ago when Bancroft first penned the lyrics.
For many Christians, "Before The Throne Of God Above" is a reminder of the great love that God has for His people. It is a hymn that speaks of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the security that believers have in Him. The song reminds us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ.
As Christians continue to grapple with the challenges of living in a world that is often hostile to their faith, "Before The Throne Of God Above" serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the unchanging love of God in Christ.
Conclusion
"Before The Throne Of God Above" is a hymn that has touched the hearts of Christians around the world for over a century and a half. Charitie Lees Bancroft's lyrics, set to Vikki Cook's piano arrangement, continue to be a source of comfort, encouragement, and hope to believers today. As we sing this hymn, we are reminded of the great love that God has for us in Christ, and we are encouraged to approach His throne with confidence, knowing that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ.