When we come to November we generally think of Thanksgiving Day and then one of the choruses that often comes to mind is "Thank you Lord for saving my soul." Many of us have sung this familiar chorus for years, especially in prayer meetings. But many don't realize that the writers, Seth and Bessie Sykes, also wrote three verses to accompany the chorus. The Sykes were evangelists who were well known in the United Kingdom. Seth was actually a tram conductor but in 1929 he resigned so that he and his wife could travel to mission churches with their barrel organ. They sang and preached, retelling stories from the Bible with lantern slides. The Sykes wrote a number of hymns and choruses to use in their services. Seth wrote the lyrics and Bessie usually wrote the music. This chorus was written in 1940 in a railway carriage between Edinburgh and Glassgo. It has been wonderfully used of God and has been translated into more than 70 different languages. It has been sung both on radio and television throughout the world. In an age when it is more common to be bitter, complaining, and self-absorbed, sometimes we often are so guilty of living thankless lives. Our hearts should be flowing with thanks, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of our lives. When I led Awana I often had to remind our Awana clubbers that it was appropriate to say "thank you" when they received their awards. Unfortunately, being thankful isn't natural and thankfulness is not often taught or modeled today. But are we really any different? How often do we forget to be thankful, to friends, family members or especially the Lord? The scripture says "in everything give thanks". And when we stop and think about what God has done for us, our hearts should be filled with thanksgiving. Maybe the words of these verses will help remind us of the many things we should be thankful for ... friends, home, mercies, flowers, stars ... but most importantly, our salvation, so rich and free. Thank you Lord!
1) Some thank the Lord for friends and home,
For mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace
In prayer I would repeat:
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
(2) Some thank Him for the flow'rs that grow,
Some for the stars that shine;
My heart is filled with joy and praise,
Because I know He's mine.
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
(3) I trust in Him from day to day,
I prove His saving grace;
I'll sing this song of praise to Him
Until I see His face. Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
You can listen to it here LISTEN
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