Now Thank We All Our God

Allan Bynoe
Jan 27
2 min read

I recently learned of this hymn at my new church, Smyrna Presbyterian Church, when it was selected to be placed in the liturgy. Upon seeing it, the melody seemed somewhat inconsistent of going up and down with some untimely pausing. My initial thought was, who wrote this song? Upon researching and looking for information I began falling in line with its meaning.

This hymn was written by Martin Rinkart a pastor/musician who endured and witness Thirty years’ War in Europe. So many people perished in this conflict which caused him to be one of the last surviving pastors in his city. He wrote this hymn when he was able to secure a ceasefire for the city he lived in. The ‘Now Thank We All Our God’ story was important to teach us to give thanks not only when life is going well, but also in times of trouble and distress. God is greater than our difficulties and He is with us constantly. In the past few years especially during this pandemic, there have been so much uncertainty and conflict happening around us as if this hymn was fitting for our time with its old English. Yet God continues to be faithful and unchanging, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

I began playing around with this melodic line to make it relevant to those singing its heartfelt lyrics of thanking God for bringing us through difficult moments in our own lives. I’m imagining not only the experience Pastor Rinkart has been through, but of those who’ve suffered loss and hurt during the end of this pandemic of 2020 our world has seen. For him to have preside over 8,000 people who suffered during the war including the loss of his own wife it must have been devastating. Yet he proceeded to his calling to serve those around him.

I want to encourage music directors, musicians to embrace this tune to serve their congregation. Add your progressions to enable to melodic line to be expressive. Without removing the melody line but by adding 7th and 9th chords to enhance some flavor. Enabling the choir or congregation to sing its heartfelt meaning.

What an experience it is for Christians to rally behind this song by using their voices in one accord to sing. Giving God thanks despite our current situation in life. In everything we experienced in life our response should be giving God thanks.

Now thank we all our God

With heart, and hands, and voices,

Who wondrous things hath done,

In whom his world rejoices;

Who, from our mother's arms

Hath blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love,

And still is ours today.

O may this gracious God

Through all our life be near us!

With ever joyful hearts

And blessed peace to cheer us;