Gratitude is the beautiful virtue whereby the inferior shares in the gracious gifts of the superior. And there is a grace in receiving as well as in giving a gift.
Perfect hymn for Thanksgiving. If it were sung in halls, malls, and public places it could revitalize the spirit of the nation and restore meaning to its people. Lost souls would be redirected on a path of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of man's purpose. The bonus of unity in praising God would
awaken the entire country to love and appreciation for the gift of life.
Wow, have cherished this hymn all my life and never knew this story. Thank you. And the last paragraph, so rich - love the image of the three graces dancing.
When I was a young seminarian many of us would go after Mass at the National Shrine in Washington DC to 'The President's Church'...which was First United Methodist Church down from the Capitol a few blocks. We always sang the hymns and this one with vigor. Rev. Edward W Bauman once spoke of Rev. Rinkart's writing of this hymn. Perhaps it was a homiletical flourish...but he said: "The Pastor during one of the sieges sat on the height of the town wall praying for peace and showing gratitude for the presence of true peace while penning the words of this hymn." This added note made me fall in love with this hymn.
Now Thank We All Our God
Perfect hymn for Thanksgiving. If it were sung in halls, malls, and public places it could revitalize the spirit of the nation and restore meaning to its people. Lost souls would be redirected on a path of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of man's purpose. The bonus of unity in praising God would
awaken the entire country to love and appreciation for the gift of life.
This is a beautiful hymn. I did not know the history behind it. I, a Swede, thank you.
Wow, have cherished this hymn all my life and never knew this story. Thank you. And the last paragraph, so rich - love the image of the three graces dancing.
When I was a young seminarian many of us would go after Mass at the National Shrine in Washington DC to 'The President's Church'...which was First United Methodist Church down from the Capitol a few blocks. We always sang the hymns and this one with vigor. Rev. Edward W Bauman once spoke of Rev. Rinkart's writing of this hymn. Perhaps it was a homiletical flourish...but he said: "The Pastor during one of the sieges sat on the height of the town wall praying for peace and showing gratitude for the presence of true peace while penning the words of this hymn." This added note made me fall in love with this hymn.