There's a Wideness in God's Mercy
There's a wideness in God's mercy like the wideness of the sea
A hymn celebrating the boundless mercy of God in contrast to the narrowness of human piety. The memorable opening image — mercy as wide as the sea — sets the tone. Faber contrasts the generosity of God with the smallness of human views of salvation. A corrective to narrow theology.
History & Background
Written by Frederick William Faber (1814-1863), who converted from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism in 1845. Published in 1854. The hymn is a meditation on the breadth and generosity of God's mercy, contrasting it with the narrowness of human religion.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 587
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 290
Bulletin Note
There's a Wideness in God's Mercy — Frederick Faber, 1854
Preaching Connection
The breadth of God's mercy — a corrective to narrow views of salvation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law reveals human sin and unworthiness; Gospel proclaims God's mercy that infinitely exceeds transgression; Response calls believers to faithful trust and grateful living
Themes
Mercy Grace Universality God's Love