Earlier this week we had our monthly circuit pastor’s conference. The pastors serving area LCMS congregations and those retired in the area gather together once a month during the school year to encourage each other and share joys and concerns as well. During the opening worship service we sang the hymn “Lord of All Hopefulness” (Lutheran Service Book #738). It is sung to the same melody used for “Be Thou My Vision” and “Christ Be My Leader.”

I used this hymn many times in the worship services I led, but had not come across it in a while. I decided to do a little research on it. It was written by a English woman using the pen name “Jan Struther” and published in 1931. I discovered that it is very popular for funeral services in Great Britian.

I like how the hymn reminds us of our need for God’s presence at every part of the day, and it affirms His promise to be with us always. The same one who took on flesh, was conceived in Mary’s womb, born in a stable, lived a perfect life among us, suffered and died for the sins of all people, and then rose in victory over death is the one who said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Reflect on God’s presence with you as you read/sing this hymn today.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy:
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe:
Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, You arms to embrace:
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm:
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

Psalm 55:16–17  But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.