Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 836)
1 Joyful, joyful we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love!
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before thee,
praising thee, their sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
drive the gloom of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day.
2 All thy works with joy surround thee,
earth and heav’n reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
chanting bird, and flowing fountain
call us to rejoice in thee.
3 Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blest,
well-spring of the joy of living,
ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother,
all who live in love are thine;
teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine!
Text: Henry van Dyke; Music: Ludwig van Beethoven; Public Domain
Devotion
I can’t think of a more happy marriage of text and tune than this hymn of praise. The words of Henry van Dyke set to Beethoven’s composition simply radiate joy. No wonder it is a favorite hymn of many! Whenever I sing it, I feel connected to all of God’s good creation: stars, flowers, critters, natural beauty, and supernatural mystery. I find myself joining in a universal chorus, caught up in the everlasting love of God. And when we sing together, my spirit soars. My faith is renewed.
Prayer
God of grace and glory, in our ordinary daily tasks, may we discover that we are indeed connected to the world around us. May we love what you love. By the power of your life-giving Spirit, inspire and encourage us so that—with all of creation—we may respond with grateful praise. Amen.