Lord of all hopefulness is a beloved Christian hymn that emphasizes trust in God, seeking His presence throughout the day for strength, love, and peace. With its uplifting message and timeless melody, the song reflects a deep reliance on God’s guidance in daily life, making it a cherished choice for worship, weddings, and funerals.
VERSE 1
Lord of all hopefulness,
Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like,
No cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking,
And give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord,
At the break of the day.
VERSE 2
Lord of all eagerness,
Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled
At the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours,
And give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord,
At the noon of the day.
VERSE 3
Lord of all kindliness,
Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome,
Your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing,
And give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord,
At the eve of the day.
VERSE 4
Lord of all gentleness,
Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment,
Whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping,
And give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord,
At the end of the day.
Story Behind the Song
In 1929, English writer Jan Struther, known for her creation of “Mrs. Miniver,” penned the hymn “Lord of All Hopefulness” at the request of her neighbor, Canon Percy Dearmer of Westminster Abbey. Dearmer sought fresh content for his expanded edition of the hymnal Songs of Praise, published in 1931. [1]
Struther, whose interest in Christianity was minimal, crafted the hymn to the traditional Irish melody “Slane,” a tune also associated with “Be Thou My Vision.” The hymn’s structure petitions for divine presence throughout the day: at waking, working, returning home, and sleeping. This progression resonated with many, leading to its widespread adoption in various Christian denominations. [2]
“Lord of All Hopefulness” has since become a staple in liturgical services, weddings, and funerals, cherished for its universal appeal and timeless message. Its enduring popularity underscores its ability to connect with individuals across different stages of life, offering comfort and inspiration.
Lord of all
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy, expresses a deep trust in God, unshaken by worldly worries. Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy, reflects the faith that Jesus calls His followers to embrace, as He said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Such faith, free from doubt, aligns with the call to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). The song longs for hearts that remain steadfast in God’s joy and presence despite life’s uncertainties.
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray, your strength in our hearts, acknowledges God as the source of strength in daily work. Philippians 4:13 affirms, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Work is a means to glorify God, as Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Jesus, skilled in labor as a carpenter, exemplifies the dignity of work done with integrity. The prayer in the song seeks divine strength not only for physical labor but also for endurance in faith and righteousness.
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace, reveals God’s boundless love and grace. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates this, where the father runs to embrace his lost child (Luke 15:20). Jesus invites all to find rest in Him, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This embrace symbolizes acceptance and redemption, urging believers to reflect the same kindness toward others.
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray, your peace in our hearts, affirms the biblical promise of divine peace. Psalm 4:8 declares, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Jesus reassured His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27). The song acknowledges that true security is found in God’s presence, both in life and in death, making it a prayer for rest in His unfailing love.
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Bible Readings for Worship
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
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Related themes you might want to include Lord of all Hopefulness, Lord of all Joy, in your list of songs for worship that centered around God The Father, Presence of God, Prayer Life, Peace
Lord of all Hopefulness Lord of all Joy lyrics and music by Jan Struther, (1929) Public Domain
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