I Sing a Song of the Saints of God is a Christian hymn that celebrates the lives of faithful believers, emphasizing themes of sainthood, courage, and devotion to God. The song encourages all Christians to live with love for Jesus, following His example in their everyday lives, and reminds us that sainthood is a calling for everyone, not just a select few.
VERSE 1
I sing a song of the saints of God,
Patient and brave and true,
Who toiled and fought and lived and died
For the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
And one was a shepherdess on the green:
They were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.
VERSE 2
They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
And God’s love made them strong;
And they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake,
The whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest,
And one was slain by a fierce wild beast:
And there’s not any reason, no, not the least,
Why I shouldn’t be one too.
VERSE 3
They lived not only in ages past;
There are hundreds of thousands still;
The world is bright with the joyous saints
Who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea,
In church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea;
For the saints of God are just folk like me,
And I mean to be one too.
Story Behind the Song
Lesbia Scott, a British hymn writer, penned “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” in 1929. The hymn was first published in that year. [1]
The song celebrates the lives of saints, portraying them as ordinary people who lived faithfully for God. It emphasizes that sainthood is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all believers. The hymn encourages individuals to aspire to live lives of courage, faith, and devotion, following the examples set by these saints.
The hymn has become particularly popular in the United States, especially within the Episcopal Church, where it has been included in the Episcopal Hymnal 1940. It is often recommended for corporate worship on All Saints Day. [2]
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable portrayal of saints and its call to live a life of faith and devotion, making it a cherished piece in Christian hymnody.
Is this story factual? Do you have additional insights or stories about this song? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
God Calls Us All to Live for Christ
“I sing a song of the saints of God” introduces a call to recognize the lives of those who lived faithfully for Christ. The song celebrates how these saints were “patient and brave and true,” living in devotion to the Lord they “loved and knew.” This reflects the biblical reality that saints are all believers in Christ who, through faith, are set apart for God’s purpose.
In Ephesians 1:18, Paul speaks of the “glorious inheritance in his holy people,” which encompasses all who belong to Christ. The song emphasizes that sainthood is not confined to a special few, but is a calling for all who belong to God.
“God’s love made them strong” highlights the central role of divine love in sustaining believers through challenges. Philippians 4:13 affirms that strength to live the Christian life is not of human origin but comes from Christ. The saints’ ability to endure trials and remain faithful was grounded in God’s love, which empowered them to live out their faith.
This theme aligns with Scripture’s teaching that God’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit equip believers to live out righteousness, as seen in Romans 5:5.
“They followed the right, for Jesus’ sake” underlines the importance of obedience to God’s will. While the saints lived in different roles—“one was a doctor, and one was a queen”—their shared devotion to Jesus and His teachings is what defined them.
The Bible teaches that following Jesus involves aligning one’s life with His commandments, as seen in John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands.” The song points to the importance of living for Christ in every aspect of life, echoing Jesus’ call to take up the cross daily (Luke 9:23).
“You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea” expands the understanding that sainthood is not confined to church settings but encompasses every area of life. Colossians 3:17 encourages believers to live for Christ in all things: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” This reflects the biblical truth that living as a saint means living for God wherever you are.
In conclusion, the song inspires believers to see sainthood as a universal calling for all who are in Christ, urging them to live with devotion to God’s love and commands. It challenges believers to embody the faith of the saints by following Jesus wholeheartedly, knowing that His love strengthens them for the journey.
More Related Bible verses on Devotion to Jesus
“If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” John 14:15, GNB
“Whoever has my commandments and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:21, GNB
“Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” John 14:23, GNB
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24, GNB
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33, GNB
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I Sing a Song of the Saints of God lyrics and music by Lesbia Scott (1929) Public Domain
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