Take this day as an opportunity to catch up on your reading, pray, and rest in the presence of the Lord.
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I was saved from my enemies.
— 2 Samuel 22:4
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71 thoughts on "Grace Day"
What a great idea! As I read through all of your favorite hymns, I thought all of mine had been mentioned until all of a sudden, I could hear “In the Garden “ in my head. This hymn is special to me. Back in 1988, I sang solo the verses, while the church choir joined in on the verses. I didn’t often sing solo, so this was special to me. I didn’t know it would be the last time my dad was in church…he died before the following Sunday. After church that day I sang the solo, he hugged me and told me he loved me (two things that almost never happened). Then in 2021 when my mom was dying, I played this song for her, sung by Alan Jackson. She hadn’t spoken for a while, but when it was over, she said how much she loved it. I also had several hospice patients request that I sing it. It obviously brought peace to many people.
From WordPress:
Austin Miles (1868-1946) was a pharmacist turned hymn writer and church music director. He was also an amateur photographer. One day in March, 1912, while in his dark room waiting for film to develop, Miles had a profound spiritual experience in which he saw an incredible vision of Mary Magdalene visiting the empty tomb. He saw her leave the tomb and walk into a garden where she met the Master and heard Him speak her name.
When Miles came to himself his nerves were vibrating and his muscles tense; the words to a new song were filling his mind and heart. He quickly wrote out the lyrics to In The Garden and later that evening composed the musical score. The song was published that same year and became a theme song of the Billy Sunday evangelistic crusades.
In The Garden was recorded on an album by Perry Como in 1950, was sung in the closing scene of the 1984 film Places in the Heart and continues to be a favorite of hymn lovers who treasure that quiet ‘garden time’ with their Savior.
In The Garden
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses . . .
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!
He speaks and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me,
Within my heart is ringing . . .
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!
I think of A Mighty Fortress is Our God. Not sure if that is the title. I love all the hymns and the stories behind them!
Two of my favorites I haven’t seen so far:
– Rock of Ages (Ascend the Hill, Chris Rice, Page CXVI – all good versions)
– Abide with Me (Audrey Assad, The Worship Initiative)
I love this challenge Kelly (NEO)! I’m a day late to it as I’m catching up after a busy weekend with family here, but I wanted to still add my two favorites: It is Well with My Soul and Great is Thy Faithfulness. The church I grew up in sang Great is Thy Faithfulness often and it is etched in my heart. I especially love this verse:
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with 10, 000 beside
God gives us everything we need for today and He is also our hope for the future!
Posting an abbreviated version of my 7:30 ish comment this morning. It went to moderation and apparently did not get approved.
Awesome challenge KELLY (NEO). I would add The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard, 1912. I can hardly wrap my mind around Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me, a sinner, but my heart clings to the truth of it. This is one of the many hymns that take me back to the country church of my youth, and my dad’s favorite. I won’t repost the lyrics – see DANIELLE B’s comment if you’d like to read through them.
CEE GEE – many thanks for all your backstory research! ❤️
RHONDA J – thank you for the 4th verse. When I did yesterday’s study, something didn’t seem quite right with song – 4th verse fixed it! In various churches growing up, for songs with 4 verses we always sang the 1st, 2nd and 4th verses, without fail.
Reading through today’s comments and realizing I have even more favorites than I could think of this morning. Thank you so much, sisters, for jogging my memory on these wonderful hymns.
Happy Saturday she’s
I missed the reading yesterday of Day 5, but wow, it was the hymn I recognized yay….“’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”. What grace that covers such a dark day of the author’s life, yet the hymn is full of gentleness and peace. Thank you RACHEL for the back story of “It is well with my soul”. My favourite hymns are He hideth my soul (He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock that shadows a dry, thirsty land. He hideth my life in the depths of his love, and covers me there with his hand), and How great thou art (And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee…), & Count your blessings (When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.)
@LYNN FROM AL: hope your birthday went great yesterday. May the Lord enrich your days and years with all the sweetness and blessings that life has to offer. Your wisdom, grace and kind heart make you stand out. Your resilience and positive attitude towards life motivate and inspires so many to face life’s challenges with courage. With love.
@KRISTIN L: prayers for Violet’s speedy recovery, so sorry that she missed out on such a big event, may the Lord bless her with many other opportunities to come. Redemption.
@SEARCHING & CEE GEE: thank you so much! I have been weary, but headed for another direction of joy & gladness. Pivot..pivot..pivotttt (in Ross’s voice from Friends lol) thanks to your prayers and of our dear she’s that have lifted me up. Knowing that you are keeping me in your thoughts and prayers has helped me stay positive and hopeful. I really thank God for you & the gift of prayers.
@MARI V: voice restoration and soon recovery.
@LEANNA THOMPSON: how beautiful, loved what you shared.
@ADRIENNE: for Bella’s recovery and safe wedding travels/great time.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Well I’m 5 for 5! One of my favorite’s is “Here I Am Lord”. Although not a praise song it speaks to me when I’m wondering if the Lord is asking me to do something or when I have been on mission trips. When on these trips, the last night we hold a communion service and sing this song. It’s a closing to a moving week. This is sometimes known as, “I, the Lord of Sea & Sky” and when you look at the dates of the other hymns this is very young. It was written in 1979 by an American composer, Dan Schutte and published in 1981. Its words are based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3:4. Schutte wrote the song at the age of 31 when he was studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkley. He was requested to compose on short notice, a piece for the ordination Mass of a deacon, incorporating in the lyrics, God’s word, of Jesus as the light and the bread and wine of the Eucharist. His hymn is sung not only in Catholic churches but many Protestant worship services as well. I once attended a friend’s graduation from seminary and at the service, all the graduates turned to the families and friends gathered and sang this song to them.
I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry,
All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I have made the stars of night,
I will make the darkness bright,
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?
Chorus
Here I am Lord
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of wind and flame,,
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide,
‘Til their hearts be satisfied,
I will give my life to them,
Whom shall I send?
Chorus
Here I am Lord
Is it I, Lord
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord
If you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart.
@Martha Hix- Yes…I too LOVE “Just As I Am!” One of our favorites singing in church and remains one!! Good to see you! Did you decide on a move?
I was able to spend a couple hours videoing with my son, oh how sweet that is. I kept thinking in the back of my mind, if only he knew that strangers were praying for his tender heart in this first heartache of his. Thank you again.
Happy Saturday sweet She’s! I’m going to be transparent this morning. I’m irritated! I lost my voice completely. And missed out on my morning run because I’m out of the weather. It’s such a gorgeous Saturday! I wish you could see it!
The hymn comes to memory is one we sang in the Catholic mass. “Make me an Instrument of Your Peace” written by Saint Francis of Assisi. If I concentrate and close my eyes, I can still hear The Oregon and a beautiful voice of the lady singing in church.
The main verse is what I remember most. “Lord grant me that I may never seek to be understood as to understand”. Probably not exact words but it went something like that.
What a sweet idea…to list our favorite hymns and their lyrics. My favorites have all been listed: How Great Thou Art, It Is Well. As a matter of fact, I have listed them in the back of my Bible to be played/sang at my funeral. Thank you ladies for this uplifting morning.
Hugs ❤️
Good morning ladies! And thank you @Kelly Neo for this Saturday challenge! Some of my #1 favorites have already been mentioned – It Is Well; How Great Thou Art; Holy, Holy, Holy – but here’s one that hasn’t, My Hope Is In The Lord. It is a much newer hymn, written in 1945 by Norman Clayton. I would always choose this song when we’d have “favorites” night at our Sunday evening service back in the day. I loved the harmonies! Here are the lyrics…
My Hope Is In The Lord
Stanza 1
My Hope is in the Lord, who gave Himself for me
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary
Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.
Stanza 2
No merit of my own His anger to suppress,
My only hope is found in Jesus’ righteousness
Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.
Stanza 3
And now for me He stands Before the Father’s throne;
He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.
Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.
Stanza 4
His grace has planned it all, ‘Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.
Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.
“According to Kenneth Osbeck, Norman Clayton “tells how it is his usual practice to write the music first before the words,” and that “he feels it is vitally important that every song he writes be biblically based”. In order to create songs worthy of His Lord, Clayton made it his practice to memorize scripture, so his songs would have a strong Biblical basis. He also found it easiest to write songs for special occasions. Clayton’s gospel songs were eminently singable, musically sweet and tender of sentiment. Clayton’s most popular songs reflect his evangelical emphasis, focused on the saving work of Christ and the sweetness of relationship with God through Him.”
A blessed Saturday to you all!
Good morning She’s! I would like to include Just As I Am. Growing up in the First Baptist Church in Dallas, this song was a frequent altar call. I remember going down to re-dedicate my life when I still young. I have remembered that moment and every time I think of this hymn it moves me. ❤️
1Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
2
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot;
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
3
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt;
Fightings within, and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
4
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind;
Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
5
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
6
Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Words: Charlotte Elliott, 1835. These words first appeared in The Christian Remembrancer, whose editor Elliott became in 1836. The last verse is from Elliott’s Hours of Sorrow Cheered and Comforted, 1836.
Music: Woodworth William B. Bradbury, Mendelssohn Collection, or Third Book of Psalmody (New York: 1849) ( ).
Alternate Tunes:
Gwylfa D. Lloyd Evans ( )
Misericordia Henry T. Smart, in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875 ( )
Saffron Walden Arthur H. Brown, in The Hymnal Companion, 1890 ( )
Wayman H. F. Grant, in the African Methodist Episcopal Hymn and Tune Book (Philadelphia Pennsylvania: African Methodist Episcopal Book Concern, 1898), number 217 ( )
portrait
William B. Bradbury
1816–1868
Origin of the Hymn
Miss Charlotte Elliott was visiting some friends in the West End of London, and there met the eminent minister, César Malan. While seated at supper, the minister said he hoped that she was a Christian. She took offense at this, and replied that she would rather not discuss that question. Dr. Malan said that he was sorry if had offended her, that he always liked to speak a word for his Master, and that he hoped that the young lady would some day become a worker for Christ.
When they met again at the home of a mutual friend, three weeks later, Miss Elliott told the minister that ever since he had spoken to her she had been trying to find her Saviour, and that she now wished him to tell her how to come to Christ. Just come to him as you are, Dr. Malan said. This she did, and went away rejoicing. Shortly afterward she wrote this hymn.
Sankey, p. 186
About these words, her brother said: In the course of a long ministry, I hope I have been permitted to see some of the fruit of my labor, but I feel that far more has been done by a single hymn of my sister’s.
Evangelist Billy Graham said he was saved in 1934 in a revival meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, led by Mordecai Ham, after hearing Just as I Am. This became an altar call song in the Billy Graham Crusades in the latter half of the 20th Century. Graham also used it in the title of his 1997 book, Just as I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham.
@Leanna- So happy you have joined us in the comments, it really does draw you in deeper to the study, understanding, and connection with your sisters in Christ! (fellowship!)
@Laura-I love the vision of you back at your piano playing old hymns. I have always wished I could have picked up playing piano easier! Even after 2 years of lessons in my youth, I can only play/read right hand! But my ears love hymns on piano only, maybe organ too like in my small church. I am glad it is a balm to you. I can only imagine how your heart longs for your kids to come back. Prayers always, and thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Love this idea! I have to echo Rachel with It Is Well With My Soul. I am not a member of the Church of Christ, but I went to a Church of Christ university, and singing this hymn a capella in chapel always brought me to tears.
CINDY HANNAH – how exciting for your granddaughter! I also live in Oregon, and as a runner, I know what a big deal that meet is!
Good morning everyone. I was introduced to She Reads Truth nearly 4 years ago during an Advent study (my favorite). I started with just getting the emails. After a while I did not receive them. I went to the site and started reading the daily community study only. A few months ago I started reading your comments and it has helped me as I pray for all of you. I love hymns! I often worship best when we sing a hymn. I love how it helps me to remember scripture verses. One of my favorites (it is so hard to pick just one) is Battle Hymn of the Republic.
In November 1861, a woman named Julia Ward Howe and her husband visited Washington, D.C. While there, Howe, a published poet, heard Union troops belting out a well-known marching song called “John Brown’s Body,” after the famous abolitionist, John Brown. A preacher standing with Howe encouraged her to write new lyrics to the tune.
“I replied that I had often wished to do so,” Howe later wrote.
I… awoke the next morning in the gray of the early dawn, and to my astonishment found that the wished-for lines were arranging themselves in my brain. I lay quite still until the last verse had completed itself in my thoughts, then hastily arose, saying to myself, I shall lose this if I don’t write it down immediately. I… began to scrawl the lines almost without looking…. Having completed this, I lay down again and fell asleep, but not before feeling that something of importance had happened to me.”
That “something of importance” proved to be the words to the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” In February 1862, she sold her poem to the Atlantic Monthly, a well-known magazine, for five dollars.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
(Chorus)
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.
(Chorus)
I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:
“As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,
Since God is marching on.
(Chorus)
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
(Chorus)
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
(Chorus)
Have a great weekend.
Ladies, you have really blessed my soul by listing all of these beautiful familiar hymns with their back stories and lyrics. I grew up singing hymns AND my piano teacher loved using hymns as part of my piano lessons. As I mentioned, it had been awhile since I touched my piano, but this study has really inspired me to go back into my childhood hymnal and play the familiar tunes. It has been balm to my soul this week, which has brought its share of heartache. I appreciate all of the hymn suggestions that were made today and will be spending quite a lot of time today playing them on my beloved piano. What a way to spend a rainy PA Saturday morning! Thank you, sisters.
DONNA WOLCOTT and Michelle Parker – most welcome! ❤
KELLY NEO – what a great challenge! I have many and also favor some already listed, especially Holy, Holy, Holy. I really love Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It isn’t as old; it was written in 1922 and is based on Isaiah 45:22.
From various sites, I read that the writer Helen Howard Lemmel was inspired by a pamphlet written by a missionary. One site mentioned the writer first came to Mississippi from England and lived in Wisconsin before settling in Washington state where she died. From Hymnary dot org:
“She moved to Seattle in 1904, and for three years was music critic for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. While interviewing German singer Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Helen was persuaded to go to Europe. A gifted singer, she studied music in Germany for four years. Upon her return to America, she began giving concerts and traveling on the Chautauqua circuit.” Hebrews 12:2 was listed on a different site as the reference verse. Different info on different sites!
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conqu’rors we are!
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Hebrews 12:2
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. NLT
Isaiah 45:22
Let all the world look to me for salvation!
For I am God; there is no other. NLT
Have a blessed and wonderful weekend, SHES! I am keeping your prayer needs close!
GM She’s!
I love the idea of listing our fav hymn and it’s history! I have SO, so many! I am still surprised that I am not familiar except with 2 out of the 10!! I grew up Methodist and oh how dear so many are to me! I often can break into song with them! This one that I’m listing, I remember singing often, and the lyrics kinda make me think I wish we were doing a little more of this today in our county and lives!
George Duffield, Jr. (1818-1888) wrote this hymn out of a tragic accident that resulted in the early death of one of the most stirring preachers in the northeastern United States during the mid-nineteeth-century. Dudley Tyng (1825-1858), an inspiring Episcopalian preacher, was one of several ministers participating in a great citywide revival that swept Philadelphia in 1858. His strong doctrinal preaching and his anti-slavery rhetoric were popular for some and angered others, resulting in his resignation from an Episcopal congregation that he pastored following the retirement of his father. In addition to serving the newly organized Church of the Covenant, his midday services at the YMCA attracted crowds as large as 5,000. On one occasion, March 30, 1858, 1000 men responded to the message by committing their lives to Christ.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! The trumpet call obey:
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day;
Ye that are men now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus! the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally.
Thank you sweet sisters for making my day very special with all your birthday wishes! It was definitely different but still a good day.
I love all your hymn suggestions! Thinking about these hymns is a very pleasant walk down memory lane for me! One of my favorites is AT CALVARY. Here are the lyrics:
1 Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary.
Refrain:
Mercy there was great and grace was free,
Pardon there was multiplied to me,
There my burdened soul found liberty–
At Calvary.
2 By God’s Word at last my sin I learned–
Then I trembled at the Law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary. [Refrain]
3 Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus ev’rything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary. [Refrain]
4 O the love that drew salvation’s plan!
O the grace that brought it down to man!
O the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary. [Refrain]
Source: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism: an African American ecumenical hymnal #322
Praying for each of your requests. May you all have a blessed day! ❤️
@kellyneo thanks for suggestion. The first song that came to mind was The old rugged cross. To this day almost 19 years since his passing I can hearing my grandfather bellow this song in his church, secretly competing against his friend and fellow church member, Wolfy. According to LifeWay George Bennard wrote this after being heckled by youth on a revival tour in Michigan. He had a vision as he looked to scripture. While the first verse was written quickly, the other verses took time.
The Old Rugged Cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he’ll call me some day to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share
And I’ll cherish the old rugged cross (rugged cross)
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown
Wow, @Rachel… Never knew the history behind that hymn. That’s really hard.
(I’m reposting this, bc I think my original post was not posted)
@Kelly (Neo) – I love this idea so much!! I also love the song you picked. <3 beautiful hymn.
I actually have been meditating on the song, "How Great Thou Art" after seeing the band Citizens (formerly Citizens & Saints) last week do it live. I just love the emotion behind their version… shouldn't we shout how great our God is??? Def recommend if you haven't heard their alt rock version from years ago ;)
"Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
CHORUS
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
CHORUS
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
CHORUS"
Carl Boberg said of the writing of his song, "It was in 1885, and in the time of year when everything seemed to be in its richest coloring; the birds were singing in trees and wherever they could find a perch. On a particular afternoon, some friends and I had been to Kronobäck where we had participated in an afternoon service. As we were returning a thunderstorm began to appear on the horizon. We hurried to shelter. There were loud claps of thunder, and the lighting flashed across the sky. Strong winds swept over the meadows and billowing fields of grain. However, the storm was soon over and the clear sky appeared with a beautiful rainbow."
Happy Saturday my friends. Love you all!!!
Love that idea, Kelly! I would have to add It Is Well With My Soul. Here is the sobering background (per Wikipedia) This hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago that was extensively damaged by the great fire).[1] His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873, at which time he had planned to travel to England with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, to help with D. L. Moody’s upcoming evangelistic campaigns. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died.[2] His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone …”. Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.[3] Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.[4]:
And the lyrics:
{When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
CHORUS
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul
KELLY (NEO)… I agree with that. I have too many to add and add lyrics to… I would add “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “When Peace Like a River” and “How Great Thou Art”. There are many, many, many others.
He IS worthy of praise, indeed!
Happy Grace Day, sweet sisters.
P.S. Bella looks 1000000% better, but is still not back to 100%. That’s really saying something. We Weill be gone for 24ish hours for a wedding… please pray that she behaves herself and stays home at night… silly girl!
Awesome challenge KELLY (NEO).
I would add The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard, 1912. I can hardly wrap my mind around Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for me, a sinner, but my heart clings to the truth of it. This is one of the many hymns that take me back to the country church of my youth, and my dad’s favorite. Backstory: https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/the-history-behind-the-old-rugged-cross-hymn-george-bennard-revival
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross / The emblem of suff’ring and shame / And I love that old cross where the dearest and best / For a world of lost sinners was slain.
*Refrain: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross / Till my trophies at last I lay down / I will cling to the old rugged cross / And exchange it some day for a crown.
Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world / Has a wondrous attraction for me / For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above / To bear it to dark Calvary. (*Refrain)
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine / Such a wonderful beauty I see / For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died / To pardon and sanctify me. (*Refrain)
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true / Its shame and reproach gladly bear / Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away / Where His glory forever I’ll share. (*Refrain)
CEE GEE – many thanks for all your backstory research! ❤️
RHONDA J – thank you for the 4th verse. When I did yesterday’s study, something didn’t seem quite right with song – 4th verse fixed it! In various churches growing up, for songs with 4 verses we always sang the 1st, 2nd and 4th verses, without fail.
Saturday challenge
Since we can see the upcoming hymns, what one would you add? Give the title, lyrics (if you have time) and say why. :-)
One I would add is Come Thou Fount of every blessing by Robert Robinson because it continues to ring so true to me.
Original lyrics are:
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.
Sorrowing I shall be in spirit,
Till released from flesh and sin,
Yet from what I do inherit,
Here Thy praises I’ll begin;
Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;
How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.
O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothèd then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.
thank you Molly for the beautiful comment.
Grace day always arrives just when I need it most. Lord, thank you for Your grace. Thank you for Your peace. Fill our home with love. With patience. With kindness. With understanding. Give us strength to get through this pandemic— day by day. I pray for Your safety and protection during this time. May our home be a safe space with a strong foundation where You are the center. Wrap Your loving arms around us. Give us peace.
THANK YOU LORD!!! I am so grateful.
Thank you for your grace Lord!
Thank you for grace days! I get more grace than I deserve!
So true.
I am finding the more I have on my plate the more I try to do it in my own strength rather than lean on God’s which makes no sense. I pray that my closeness with Him isn’t dependent on the situations of my life but my constant daily relationship with Him.
One thing that has helped me is believing God loves me
I too, am feeling distant from the Lord. I want that closeness with Him and yet I fail to set aside the time needed to grow my relationship with Him. I try to do all of the right things and teach my kids the right way to live, but I recognize I am trying to do it in my own strength.
I know just how you feel, praying for you
I’m struggling feeling close to God and feeling his spirit. I feel distant from him when I worship and sing and I want to be filled with his spirit so I can truly live.
Praying for you Annika. I can relate to that feeling. Take it day by day with me, and God’s love and spirit will find you. It is always, always there.
I feel you Annika
‘Seek and ye shall find’ ask god to draw you close to him and he will never close the door to you. That’s why he is so amazing, we often fall short and don’t do as we think right by him and yet he still loves and and won’t leave us. I pray that you will feel comforted by this x
God is the One we should always turn to.
I am struggling to have faith that He will provide the funds for a long term mission trip. I fully believe He has called me to serve, but it just seems so impossible to raise the money. Prayers for faith and peace would be much appreciated.
Praying for provision, Holly! Thanking the Lord for giving you such a beautiful calling!
– Stormye
My husband betrayed me. I trusted him, oh how I trusted him. I forgave because I am forgiven. But I struggle, this battle wages within me at times so fierce. A battle to treat him as badly as he treated me. As he continues to treat me—-he cannot accept my forgiveness—says it hurts him—so he continues to stay distanced from me. And I am so lonely. But I call on the Lord as my comforter. As my protector. Please Lord, I call upon you for the grace and strength for today. One day at a time. To learn to trust. To follow where You lead. You have called me to stay in my marriage, please give me the grace I need
Praying for you, sweet sister in Christ. Always remember that nothing takes God by surprise, that you are infinitely loved by Him, and that YOU are His most treasured possession! ❤
Kim, praying that you will feel the prayers that we are casting for you and God’s comfort during this time. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through but stay strong!
Kim I pray you read this comment. I am in the same situation as you. Praying you feel God’s love and joy deep in your soul. That you be defined by who you are in your Creator and not who any man on this earth leads you to believe you are. God will not leave you lacking but will supply all your needs. Loving on you through prayer.
Dear Lord save me from the enemies I make for myself and the enemies inside my soul I call out to you to cleanse me and help me to honor you Lord
I would like prayer for myself, I am struggling with the decision to join full-time ministry. I have a full-time job and debts to pay… I am struggling with the confirmation of God’s calling in a leap of faith!
Said a prayer for you I hope God gives you clarity trust in Him and He will provide!!
Thank you Lord for your grace to let me see another day thank you for waking me up this morning I give you all the glory in Jesus name amen. This was a great word the enemy is so busy that I almost let him steal my joy this morning but I had to check myself and my attitude to what he was trying to do he a lier and the reason why he fighting so hard is because he knows his time is up and God is coming to get his children to take us home praised God. That is why it’s so important to get what you can now know the word study the word if you don’t understand ask him stay prayed up daily we are living in the last days it’s so noticeable what ever calling you have on your life get prepared and work and win souls for Christ their a lot of lost people it’s our job to tell them the good news stay encouraged God bless.
give me the grace to not be jealous of the relationships going on around me
Never forget sweet sister in Christ that you are God’s most treasured possession and He is SO jealous for you!!!!!!
Right now I’m going through some rough times with my roomate, lord knows the things I want to sy but i won’t. I feel guilty for feeling such things and I know i shouldn’t. Jesus give me the grace to forgive and bless others with your grace! In Jesus, amen!
All I need do o lord is to call upon you and praise you. Thank you Jesus
I just need to say, having a grace day is brilliant! Especially when we have a verse to ponder at leisure and are encouraged to sit with our loving Lord for refreshment and to soak up His presence. Thank you SRT for reminding us that this is important work too! Bless you!
Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him! Psalm 147:1 Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers and our praises.
Thought I might share that Chelsea moon- a great Christian singer has 2 “hymn revival” albums that are all traditional hymns song in folk type modern style- this study make me think of them! For anyone who is interested – http://chelseamoon.com/
LOVE her music!
Worthy? He could require praise, He is the everlasting God and still he BECKONS, not demands, us to praise! What a gracious Father, what a faithful friend. My mind can’t comprehend His goodness but I’m so thankful for it!!
*correction – it is a good reminder today that I am VICTORIOUS over those enemies when I praise Him Who is worthy to be praised! Amen!
Sometimes (actually most times) my “enemies” are my own wayward thoughts and vain imaginings. It is a good reminder today that I am Victoria over those enemies when I praise Him Who is worthy to be praised! Amen!
Amen!
All you do Lord, simply is, wonderful and amazing.
More than worthy of praise.
I couldn’t agree more!
He is perfect in every way ❤️
May we all remember to call upon the Lord.
Thank You Lord for saving me from all my enemies!
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and might and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock
And let the God of my salvation be exalted
Amen!
Thank you Lord God. Thank you…