Father in Heaven
133

Text: Angus S. Hibbard
Music: Friedrich F. Flemming (1778–1813);
arranged by Edwin Pond Parker (1836–1925)
Tune name: INTEGER VITAE or FLEMMING

Peace is the subject of the hymn “Father in Heaven.” The first verse gives thanks for the peace we enjoy, the second asks for the heart of each worshiper to be filled with peace, and the third petitions the Lord to strengthen every nation of the world “in thy great peace where only is salvation.”

The satisfying music of this hymn was originally written in 1811 for men’s voices. Friedrich F. Flemming wrote many such songs, but only this one is often sung today; this tune alone earned him a place in Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians. The tune name, INTEGER VITAE, comes from the Latin text for which Flemming originally composed the music. That text is an ode by Horace that begins with the words, “Integer vitae sclerisque purus,” meaning “Blameless of life and free from guilt.” The tune also goes by the name of FLEMMING, and it appears with various texts in other Christian hymnals.

Few hymns in our hymnal communicate such security and faith. The text features nouns that name positive emotions and feelings, such as love, peace, joy, and trust. Other important words, such as abiding, firm, and enduring, indicate that we know these feelings and emotions will be eternal, because of our faith in our Father in Heaven. Psalm 29:11, one of the scripture citations listed below the hymn, embodies the message of this confident, joyful hymn: “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”