Bishop William Walsham How wrote the hymn For All the Saints in 1864 to the saints of the church. The word ‘saint’ is not used very often today, but Paul in his New Testament letters uses it pretty often to refer to Christians. In this song, we are reminded of the saints of ages past to whom we are connected to in Christ. How they were sustained in their faith, even through the most difficult of times, by God’s gracious hand. It offers us a picture of us saints today, commending us to fight well with our eyes towards our treasure, which is Christ himself. And it ends by presenting an image of all saints of all time gathered together – “From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” This Sunday as we consider what the resurrection means, may our hearts be overjoyed to sing of the glories that await all those who are in Christ. We’ll be singing this song for the first time this Sunday, so here’s a link to get yourself familiar. Lyrics are below.
FOR ALL THE SAINTS
1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest Who thee by faith before the world confessed Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest Alleluia, Alleluia! 2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might Thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight Thou in the darkness drear, their one true light Alleluia, Alleluia! 3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old And win with them the victor's crown of gold Alleluia, Alleluia! 4. O blest communion, fellowship divine We feebly struggle, they in glory shine Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine Alleluia, Alleluia! 5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long Steals on the ear the distant triumph song And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong Alleluia, Alleluia! 6. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Alleluia, Alleluia!
by Ajay Thomas
Ajay lives in Philadelphia with his wife Shainu and their kids Hannah and Micah. He is responsible for preaching and vision as a pastor at Seven Mile Road.