Originally, this hymn was written as a communion hymn, taken from a poem, titled “The Sacrifice of Praise.” Yet, the hymn author, Folliot Sandford Pierpoint and possibly others alter this original poem to create a hymn that can be sang in a broader range, such as a thanksgiving hymn, which it is designated in our Glory to God hymnal.
Also, interestingly, our Presbyterian hymnal includes only five stanzas of an original eight. These omitted stanzas include themes from the Church of England’s theological and historical views. Thus, they are omitted in a Presbyterian, Reformed hymnal but we are still able to enjoy the melody and five verses that do speak to a more universal beliefs, verse five is especially beautiful. It goes as follows:
For thyself, best Gift Divine, to the world so freely given, for that great, great love of thine,
peace on earth, and joy in heaven.
Refrain
Lord of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
Prayer
Joyful Creator, we through our songs of praise give thanks for much of our lives that is a gift from you, from the beauty of our world to the love found in our families. Thank you, our grateful praise is just the beginning. Amen.
