I Love to Tell the Story (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 661)
1 I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know it’s true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else would do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story;
’twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
2 I love to tell the story:
how pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story,
for some have never heard
the message of salvation
from God’s own holy word. [Refrain]
3 I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
I’ll sing the old, old story
that I have loved so long. [Refrain]
Text: Katherine Hankey; Music: William E. Fischer; Public Domain
Devotion
This hymn was a favorite of my favorite grandmother. Written long before either of us were born, its language still speaks strongly, and I suspect it became a favorite of mine because of her. I always look forward to singing all the verses.
Verse one’s “I love to tell the story…because I know it is true” gives a boost to our faith whether we need it that week or not. Verse two continues: “I love to tell the story…for some have never heard the message of salvation from God’s own holy word.” Here we are reminded of the responsibility and privilege we have to share the good news of Jesus. Finally, verse three’s “I love to tell the story, for those who know it best” reminds us that it is our honor to share the story of salvation over and over because it is always good news—to teller and hearer alike!
Prayer
God, prepare my heart to hear your word proclaimed, sung, and modeled in worship. Amen.