We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing he chastens and hastens his will to make known

A harvest and thanksgiving hymn with strong themes of God's protection of his people against their enemies. The three stanzas praise God for gathering the worshippers, for his ongoing sustaining care, and for his ultimate triumph.

History & Background

Originally written in Dutch in 1597 to celebrate Dutch independence from Spain. Translated by Theodore Baker (1851-1934) in 1894. The tune KREMSER is a Dutch folk melody harmonized by Eduard Kremser (1838-1914).

Hymnal Appearances

Gather 4th Edition — 697

Bulletin Note

We Gather Together — Dutch, 1597; tr. Baker, 1894

Preaching Connection

Thanksgiving — God's gathering and sustaining of his people; appropriate for harvest festivals.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Grateful acknowledgment of God's redemptive work moving toward renewed commitment to corporate praise and service

Themes

Thanksgiving Gathering Providence Dutch Heritage