When All Thy Mercies O My God
When all Thy mercies, O my God
The hymn embodies Lutheran appreciation for God's mercies as the proper response to divine grace, emphasizing gratitude as the natural fruit of recognizing salvation. It reflects the Protestant principle that all good things come from God's hand and deserve joyful acknowledgment in worship.
History & Background
Written by English essayist and theologian Thomas Addison and published in The Spectator in 1712 as a sacred poem. The text became one of the most beloved English hymns and was widely adopted in Protestant hymnals throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 891
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 264
- Lutheran Worship — 196
- Trinity Hymnal — 56
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 31
Bulletin Note
Thomas Addison (1672–1719), English theologian and essayist, crafted this hymn to awaken grateful awareness of God's constant mercies. Its measured rhythm and comprehensive imagery have made it a standard of Protestant thanksgiving for over three centuries.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies Gospel proclamation by training the worshiper's eye to recognize divine mercy as the lens through which all of life—past, present, and future—is properly understood and celebrated.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Fourth Petition Small Catechism — The Lord's Prayer
Themes
God's mercy and providence Gratitude and praise Divine providence Thankfulness for grace