When All Your Mercies O My God
When all your mercies, O my God
The hymn embodies a Lutheran emphasis on recognizing God's continuous mercies and responding with grateful praise, rooted in the doctrine of creation and providence. It reflects the Protestant conviction that believers are called to acknowledge divine goodness in all circumstances.
History & Background
Written by English essayist and theologian Thomas Addison and published in The Spectator in 1712, this hymn became widely adopted in Protestant hymnody. It exemplifies the meditative, grateful tone characteristic of 18th-century English hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 67
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 888
- Glory to God — 673
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 264
- Lutheran Worship — 196
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 31
- United Methodist Hymnal — 99
Bulletin Note
Written by Thomas Addison in 1712, this hymn grew from his meditations on divine providence. Its steady Long Meter has anchored Protestant gratitude for over three centuries, inviting worshipers to survey God's mercies systematically and praise without ceasing.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel proclamation by teaching believers to recognize and name God's continuous providential care as the proper response to the Law's demand for thankfulness and the Gospel's gift of unmerited grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From conviction of sin and burden (Law) to confidence in Christ's hearing and answering (Gospel) to assurance of complete provision (Gospel) to commitment in pilgrimage (Gospel)
Themes
God's mercies Gratitude and thanksgiving Divine providence Praise and adoration Creation and care