On Eagle's Wings

The Story Behind the Hymn

This hymn was written by Father Michael Joncas, a Catholic priest and composer, after he learned that a close friend’s father had passed away. He wanted to offer comfort, not just in words, but in song — something that would reflect the promises of God found in the Psalms. Much of the hymn is based on Psalm 91, which speaks of God's protection and care, as well as references from Isaiah 40 and Exodus 19.

From its early days, “On Eagle’s Wings” quickly became popular in both Catholic and Protestant circles. It’s often sung at funerals, memorials, and services where people are seeking peace or hope. It reminds us that God is not far off in hard times — He is near, lifting us up, even when we feel weakest.

What Makes It Powerful

Unlike many hymns that build around traditional poetic structure, this one flows more like a spoken blessing. It almost feels like a prayer being sung over someone, declaring truth with gentleness. The line “He will raise you up on eagle’s wings” pulls from Exodus 19:4, where God tells His people, “I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”

A verse that echoes the spirit of this hymn is Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

The message is simple, but strong: God lifts us. He carries us when we cannot carry ourselves. Whether in grief, fear, or weariness — His promise is to sustain.

My Violin Cover

When arranging “On Eagle’s Wings” for violin, I wanted to keep that sense of calm and comfort. The melody moves slowly and gently, and I tried to reflect that with a soft, flowing tone. There’s something powerful about this hymn even without lyrics — you can feel the peace in the music itself.

My aim with Violin Hymns is always to honor the heart of the song, and this one felt especially tender. I didn’t want to overcomplicate it — just let the melody speak for itself and give listeners space to breathe and reflect.

Listen and Reflect

The video is below. I invite you to listen slowly, maybe with Psalm 91 open nearby. Whether you’re in a season of peace or walking through something heavy, may this hymn remind you that God’s presence is constant — and that He truly does lift us up, gently, on eagle’s wings.

Lyrics

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

Who abide in His shadow for life,

Say to the Lord, “My refuge,

My rock in whom I trust!”

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

And famine will bring you no fear:

Under His wings your refuge,

His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

You need not fear the terror of the night,

Nor the arrow that flies by day;

Though thousands fall about you,

Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

For to His angels He’s given a command

To guard you in all of your ways;

Upon their hands they will bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

And hold you, hold you in the palm of His hand.

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