Come, Thou Almighty King
A Trinitarian invocation calling Father, Son, and Spirit to reign within.
Download PDFA Trinitarian invocation calling Father, Son, and Spirit to reign within. Written by Anonymous (1757), set to the tune "Italian Hymn (Trinity)" by Felice de Giardini.
Suggested pairing scripture
2 Corinthians 13:14
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
Read 2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Come, Thou Almighty King." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing as an opening processional, on Christ the King Sunday, and in services that magnify the reign of Christ.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
Come, Thou Almighty King, Help us Thy name to sing, Help us to praise: Father, all glorious, O'er all victorious, Come, and reign over us, Ancient of Days.
Stanza 2
Come, Thou Incarnate Word, Gird on Thy mighty sword, Our prayer attend: Come, and Thy people bless, And give Thy word success; Spirit of holiness, On us descend.
Stanza 3
Come, Holy Comforter, Thy sacred witness bear In this glad hour: Thou who almighty art, Now rule in every heart, And ne'er from us depart, Spirit of power.
Stanza 4
To the great One in Three Eternal praises be, Hence, evermore! His sovereign majesty May we in glory see, And to eternity Love and adore.
History & Background
First published anonymously in a leaflet appended to George Whitefield's 1757 'Collection of Hymns for Social Worship,' originally as a parody of 'God Save the King' set to that tune. Italian violinist Felice de Giardini composed the 'Italian Hymn' tune in 1769 specifically for these words. Its authorship has been debated for centuries.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
2 Corinthians 13:14
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."Read in context
Revelation 4:8
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this hymn originally set to 'God Save the King'?
It was published in 1757 as a Christian counterpart to the British national anthem — a deliberate move to redirect royal praise to the King of kings. Giardini's purpose-built tune later replaced the anthem melody in most hymnals.
Related Hymns
Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Come, Thou Almighty King.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Come, Thou Almighty King
Anonymous • 1757
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Joachim Neander • 1680
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "Come, Thou Almighty King"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
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