 It was self-published in his ""26 Hymns"" a year later.The carol gained popularity within the Church of England when it was published within the "More Hymns for Today" hymnal in 1980 and "Hymns Ancient and Modern – New Standard"" in 1983.In 1986, when "The New English Hymnal" was being compiled with hymns appropriate for Eucharist services being prioritised, "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" was included at the behest of the former Archdeacon of Hackney, George Timms, in order to fill required spaces in the hymnal for feast days and promote newer hymns.