O God of Steadfast Bravery

1
O God of steadfast bravery,
Who shapes Your saints to stand,
You forged in Alban soldier‑strength
For Britain’s northern land.

2
A Roman trained in ordered ranks,
Fit for the empire’s claim;
Yet fitter still for mercy’s call
When Christ first spoke his name.

3
He hid Your servant in his home,
Then bore the danger on;
A thin‑place courage filled his soul
Before the rising dawn.

4
He climbed the hill of martyrdom
As pilgrims climb in prayer;
The river shone with blessing‑light
That led him upward there.

5
His body schooled for earthly wars,
His spirit schooled for You;
He ran the path the soldiers knew,
Yet walked it brave and true.

6
Lord, grant that we, like Alban, stand
Where truth and mercy meet;
And walk the Celtic‑Roman way—
With steadfast heart and feet.

Formed in Soldier-Strength

A Feast of St Alban Reflection on Small Gains

Today, 22 June, is the Feast of Saint Alban—the first martyr of Britain, and a saint who holds a deeply personal place in my heart as my confirmation patron.

In writing a hymn to honour him today, I found myself reflecting on his transition from a Roman soldier, trained in the ordered ranks and physical discipline of the empire, to a man who used that very strength for something far greater: mercy, protection, and ultimate sacrifice.

Lately, the concept of a body being “schooled” or trained has taken on a more immediate meaning in my own life. Living with chronic illness and being on dialysis since 2018 means that physical stamina isn’t something I can take for granted. But recently, I have started doing some exercise myself—embracing adaptive fitness and finding the immense value in what I call the power of small gains.

Whether it is celebrating a first knee-assisted push-up, finding the right form with dumbbell curls, or simply listening to my body and learning what works, I am learning my own version of discipline. It’s not about the sweeping, grand victories of an empire; it’s about the quiet, incremental progress of showing up for yourself day by day.

Alban’s story is often remembered for its dramatic conclusion on the hill of martyrdom. But before he climbed that hill, he had to stand firm in the ordinary spaces—opening his home to a stranger, switching garments to protect a priest, and finding a “thin-place courage” before the dawn.

As a neurodivergent person navigating chronic illness, I find comfort in knowing that holiness and strength are built in these small, deliberate steps. We don’t have to be perfect overnight. Like Alban, we just need the grace to stand where truth and mercy meet, walking our own unique path with a steadfast heart—and determined feet.

Hymn information

First line: O God of steadfast bravery
Text: Michael McFarland Campbell
Metre: CM
Tune: Bangor
Thene: St Alban

© 2026 Michael McFarland Campbell. Permission granted for local church use with attribution. Not for commercial reproduction without permission.