Monday, April 1, 2024  

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Today's Hymn
“O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”

O for a thousand tongues to sing my dear Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of God’s grace!

The name of Jesus charms our fears, and bids our sorrows cease,
sings music in the sinner’s ears, brings life, and health, and peace.

by Charles Wesley
Hymn 610, Glory to God
verse 1–2

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Reflection

With the joyous sounds of Easter still echoing in our ears, we begin this season of Eastertide overflowing with gratitude — a sentiment beautifully captured by Charles Wesley’s hymn of praise “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Wesley’s text contains numerous allusions to scripture, ranging from the psalms to texts from the Gospels, but its well-known title holds the key to understanding why Wesley’s heart was so filled by praise.

In 1738, while Wesley was studying under the influential bishop and missionary Peter Bohler, he experienced an illness that left him bedridden for a time, followed by a serious crisis of faith. Uncertain about what lay ahead and if he would leave the ministry altogether, Wesley was nonetheless visited and prayed over by a small group from Bohler’s church on Pentecost — an experience that resonated with Wesley so deeply that he rededicated his life to serving God. One year later, to commemorate the anniversary of this moment, Wesley wrote an 18(!) stanza hymn inspired by words Bohler had once shared: “Had I a thousand tongues I would praise God with them all” — a text that would later be shortened into the hymn we know today.

In this season when we give thanks for Christ’s love, God’s grace, and the promise of new life we’ve all been given, Wesley’s story is a reminder that we are not meant to keep this good news to ourselves. Instead, we are to share it with all people — particularly those going through challenging seasons of life or dire circumstances. By living out Christ’s love may we witness to the many ways God continues to be at work in this world — this Eastertide season and beyond.

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Prayer
O God of glory, our hearts are filled with praise this Eastertide season. Help us to share your good news with a world that needs to hear it. Amen.

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Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children, Families, and Welcoming Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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