1.

Upon the altar burns God’s fire.
With you He longs to share it.
Its flame is gentle, warm, and pure;
Make sure that you can bear it.
Your heart and mind it penetrates;
Both pow’r and courage it creates.
To you this fire is given
To be your own possession.

2.

Upon the altar burns God’s fire.
Heroes for God it’s making.
The question is, Do you desire
God’s fire to do its purging?
For when the fire meets your own flesh,
The only cry is “Onward press!”
To you this fire is given
To be your own possession.

3.

Upon the altar burns God’s fire.
Heed well, so you receive this!
When you lay down your life entire,
Then—if you will believe this—
The fire will lead you on its course,
Yes, to the throne of God, its source.
To you this fire is given
To be your own possession.

4.

Upon the altar burns God’s fire.
Dear brother, I entreat you,
Embrace and test it one more time.
Life’s riches then await you.
Now you’ve been told about this fire
So life and peace you can acquire.
To you this fire is given
To be your own possession.

Written by Edwin Bekkevold (published in 1937)Composed by Pauli SanderText and melody © Stiftelsen Skjulte Skatters ForlagNorway ⋅ G