Prayers from the Hymnal: How Great Thou Art

Available for 29 days

Prayer for the Day presented by Julia Loveless, worship leader & singer-songwriter. Good morning. It’s a lesser known fact, but the hymn How Great Thou Art is actually a rough translation of a traditional Swedish hymn written by Carl Boberg in 1885. Boberg is said to have been inspired after witnessing a dramatic thunderstorm that suddenly gave way to clear skies and birdsong. Moved by the power and beauty of Creation, he penned the words that recognised both the majesty of the world around him and the greatness of the God who made it. And perhaps that is something we all need reminding of from time to time. In lives so often filled with noise, worry and distraction, Creation still quietly and consistently sings of God’s goodness. The rolling thunder, the vastness of the sea, the stars stretched across the night sky, the gentle rhythm of birdsong in the morning; all of it points beyond itself. All of it reminds us that we are not alone in a chaotic universe but held within the care of a Creator who knows us and loves us. And so whatever today looks like, I pray that my eyes are opened to the beauty and power of Creation all around - and that it would point me beyond itself towards its maker. That I may find myself echoing Boberg’s lyrics to make them mine; “then sings my soul, my saviour God to thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art.” Amen.