Posted on 04/08/2006 9:55:54 PM PDT by Full Court
This hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford’s life. The first was the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy businessman). Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford’s daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford’s wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
And more prayers from TX. I will remember your great aunt at Mass today, as well.
More prayers from Texas. May you enjoy many happy memories.
Palm Sunday prayers for the care of the soul of your great aunt and for you, Full Court, for bolstered faith in this sad time.
8mm
Prayers for your great Aunt and we will give thanks to God for such a inspiring lady who walked our earth and spread her love and goodness.
Hugs to you and your family and peace to her in her journey Homeward.
"TT", Beth & Nana
I will pray for your aunt at Mass today.
Don't ever forget those wonderful stories, and be sure to pass them along to the youngest in your family. Have a peaceful day.
Prayers for comfort and peace for your great aunt and all your family, especially you, Full Court.
Prayers for all, Full Court.
After these events, the surviving Spaffords started a religious community/hotel in Jerusalem, which became a neutral meeting place for palestinian and israeli leaders. The patriarch, alas, had intermittant episodes of insanity towards the end of his life, confusing self with Jesus.
Yes, the Spafford's work in Jerusalem was wonderful. And this hymn. What a terrible tragedy. And that hotel they founded (used to be the orphanage) is so beautiful.
It is such a sad thing to see a loved one die. The very best thing we can do is to visit them and let them know they are not alone. God Bless you, your aunt and her family...
Prayers for you and your aunt.
Prayers for your Aunt.
This song has always been special to me. It was one of the songs I picked for my mom's funeral, and it still chokes me up to sing it, even after 10 years, but I love it even so.
O Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight!
Another Spafford tidbit: After losing all their children, they returned to their home church in (Ohio?), only to have the congregation turn against them. They reasoned that they must have been really terrible people if God would let their family die. They must have deserved it. Can you just imagine?
Prayers for your Aunt. May her final days be peaceful, and may she know the Lord's comfort.
May you feel the comfort that only God can give, as you utter those wonderful words, "It is well with my soul!"
God speed and my sincere prayers.
Be strong, full court.
Thanks for the ping, ohioWfan.
Prayers on the way.
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