Hymns of Thanksgiving
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hymn lyrics are like other forms of poetry. They give us images, metaphors, and understandings that can often open our spirits to a new meaning of a single word or a season of the church year. We use a lot of hymns of praise and thanksgiving in weekly worship services or private devotions. During this week when we observe the national holiday of Thanksgiving, let us read once again some old and new hymns. Use these as daily devotions and reminders that God has given us great gifts and is ever present with us.
“Let All Things Now Living” Katherine K. Davis
all things now living a song of thanksgiving to God the Creator triumphantly raise,
who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
who guides and leads to the end of our days.
God’s banners fly o’er us; God’s light goes before us, a pillar of fire shining forth in the night,
till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished,
as forward we travel from light into light.
“My Gratitude Now Accept, O God” (“Gracias, Señor”) Rafael Montalvo; trans Raquel Mora Martínez
My gratitude now accept, O God, for tender care that you provide’
for your abundant faithfulness. Endless is your supply.
From all your bounty I give to you; for all the blessings you impart.
Receive this offering I bring, receive my joyful heart.
“Give Thanks to God Who Hears Our Cries” Ruth Duck
Give thanks to God who hears our cries and saves in troubled days
with wondrous works to humankind that call for highest praise.
Let all who know God’s saving love sing grateful songs always.
If you have ever wandered where no human help was near,
and in your trouble cried to God, who rescued you from fear,
then thank the God of steadfast love who dries your every tear.
“In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful” Taizé Community
In the Lord I’ll be every thankful;
in the Lord I will rejoice!
Look to God; do not be afraid.
Lift up your voices, the Lord is near.
“Now Thank We All Our God” Martin Rinkart, trans. Catherine Winkworth
Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things hath done, in whom this world rejoices;
who, from our mothers’ arms, hath blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us;
and keep us in God’s grace, and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills in this world and the next.
“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
~Psalm 118:1
These reflections are for use during the week of November 22-28, 2020
Joyce D. Sohl
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, quarterly retreats, and art exhibits.
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