An old English preacher once said, "A grateful mind is a great mind," and the Bible agrees. There are 138 passages of Scripture on the subject of thanksgiving, and some of them are powerfully worded. Colossians 3:17 says: And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. First Thessalonians 5:18 adds, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Unfortunately, few hymns are devoted exclusively to thanking God. Among the small, rich handful we do have is "Now Thank We All Our God." The German Christians sing this hymn like American believers sing the "Doxology," yet it's loved on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world. It was written by Martin Rinkart (1586–1649), a Lutheran pastor in the little village of Eilenberg, Saxony. He grew up as the son of a poor coppersmith, felt called to the ministry, and after his theological training began his pastoral work just as the Thirty Years' War was raging through Germany. Floods of refugees streamed into the walled city of Eilenberg. It was the most desperate of times. The Swedish army encompassed the city gates, and inside the walls there was nothing but plague, famine, and fear. Eight hundred homes were destroyed, and people began dying in increasing numbers. There was a tremendous strain on the pastors, who expended all their strength in preaching the gospel, caring for the sick and dying, and burying the dead. One after another, the pastors themselves took ill and perished until at last only Martin Rinkart was left. Some days he conducted as many as fifty funerals. |
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In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 |
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 |
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Finally, the Swedes demanded a huge ransom. It was Martin Rinkart who left the safety of the city walls to negotiate with the enemy, and he did it with such courage and faith that there was soon a conclusion of hostilities, and the period of suffering ended. Rinkart, knowing there is no healing without thanksgiving, composed this hymn for the survivors of Eilenberg. It has been sung around the world ever since. Now thank we all our God, With heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things hath done, In whom this world rejoices. |
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In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 |
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Why do you suppose 138 passages of Scripture are dedicated to thanksgiving? The author of this hymn suffered through extremely dire circumstances. How do trials affect one's ability to give thanks? What are the three ways we give thanks cited in verse one? What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 say about gratitude? Almighty God in Trinity, from all my heart be thanks to Thee for Thy good deed, that Thou me wrought, and with Thy precious blood me bought, and for all good Thou lendst to me, O Lord God, blessed may Thou be! All honour, joy and all loving be to Thy name without ending. Amen. —Richard Rolle (c. 1300–1349) Excerpted with permission from Then Sings My Soul Prayer Journal by Robert Morgan, copyright Robert J. Morgan. * |
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Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends! No matter what challenges, heartbreak, loss, or bereavement we face, God is worthy of our gratitude and worship. Let's lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God today! |
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Then Sings My Soul Book 3: The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith |
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$19.99 $10.00 (50% off) + FREE U.S. shipping included! |
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In the third volume of his bestselling series, Pastor Robert Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers: a unique book entitled Then Sings My Soul. This collection of the world's greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song. Now, in the third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include: - The fascinating history of worship from ancient times to contemporary praise
- Almost 60 generations of hymn singing
- Biographical sketches of the most interesting composers
- Hymn index for easy reference
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Then Sings My Soul: Book 3 also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you've never heard, with lead-sheets included. All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them. Morgan's conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God's music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation. |
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What Our Readers Are Saying |
"Great songs and history." — Gina F. |
"Love the stories behind the hymns." — David M. |
"Songs are just what I had hoped for!" — Pauline R. |
Final day to save 50% on the Then Sings My Soul collection |
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| Then Sings My Soul Special Edition |
In this special seasonal edition, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind traditional holiday hymns of faith, including Christmas, Easter, and more. |
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| Then Sings My Soul Book 2 |
In this follow-up to his bestselling original book, pastor Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind 150 beloved traditional hymns of faith. |
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| Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories |
Over one million copies sold! Have you ever wanted to learn more about hymns, but weren't sure where to start? Bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind the beloved traditional hymns of faith. |
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| Then Sings My Soul Prayer Journal |
A year of journaling inspiration through the most beloved hymns, based on the bestselling Then Sings My Soul series. |
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Shop the collection before the sale ends tonight! |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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