My Grateful Spirit Sings
About the Song
Some songs have amazing back-stories. This isn’t one of them.
I was in the garage, sitting in the family car, engaging and releasing the brakes intermittently while my husband did something or other to them. I was glad to have the easy part of the job, but it was rather boring. My response to boredom is usually to daydream about what to write next, but this time I was coming up blank. So I asked Dennis what I should write about, and without hesitation his answer was, “A song about gratitude.”
And so… this song happened. And that’s the whole story.
Sometimes the Lord sends me inspiration through human wisdom, and that human is very often my husband.
More than a decade after that prosaic and un-memorable event, I decided to rework the accompaniment and the rhythms a bit, so there are now two versions available. The violin obbligato will work only with the newer one, and is included at the end of each score as an extracted part.
Church Music Submission: Song division–Award of Distinction 2006 (Solo)
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Recording featuring vocals by James Loynes:
Accompaniment track:
Recording featuring vocals by Julene Judd:
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Lyrics
In all thy works I see thy glory
In mighty wonders; in small and simple things
My heart rejoices in the bounty set before me
And my grateful spirit sings
Each rising sun tells of thy goodness
The rain proclaims thee in the life it brings
All creation bears the sure and silent witness
And my grateful spirit sings
The stars that crown the realms of space
Reflect the image of thy grace
The rolling seas, the earth and sky
Declare thy pow’r, thy majesty and might
I see thy hand in man’s compassion
Thou art the font* of kindness whence it springs
Thy boundless charity has wrought my soul’s salvation
And my grateful spirit sings
For changeless love and endless mercy
For countless blessings beyond the wealth of kings
For every perfect gift thou sendest, Lord, I praise thee
And my grateful spirit sings
*The word “font” as it is used in this song means “source.” In modern language, a “font” has come to be associated almost exclusively with “typeface.” You are welcome to substitute “fount,” as it carries the appropriate meaning without the modern connotation. For the sake of history, I’m leaving it as-is in the music. 🙂
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9 Comments
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I’m a new choir director in my ward, but coming from being a choir director in a Western New York ward (Amherst). I wanted a special, lovely song for Thanksgiving, and My Grateful Spirit Sings is perfect. I’m so glad you composed and arranged it for choir and violin, and I’m very glad I found it. Thank you, Sally, for all you do, and for all your talent.
Such a nice song! It just made my day perfectly 🙂 anyway,is there a piece for cello? I am looking forward to it.Thanks 🙂
I truly loved the words, and the soloist had wonderful expression. Thank you for composing this and sharing with whomever can best use the material. I may use it for the solo in my Church. Do I owe you any money?
You’re welcome, and no, you absolutely do not owe me any money. 🙂
Thank you Sally for this solo piece that is among my favorites in repertoire. I sang it at a Spring Concert last year, a memorial service for college classmates and am preparing it for a summer service in July. Rev.Todd Fennell.Thankyou for composing!
I have used this piece now with two different ward choirs….. several years ago, and now in my new ward… just made choir director. This was well received this past Sunday and the raves just continue. I even won over a bass voice who was hesitating joining the choir. After this rendition he wants to be a part of the choir.
Over the years I have used several compositions, and of course, I have my favorites… anyway, thank you so much. I should add
the song “The Greatest Among Us” is definitely number one.
I got to sing this song as a special music solo for Sabbath services and it was a great joy to perform! Beautiful piece!
My choir loves singing this song. It is a small choir of about 10 and they voice their happiness with this song. We all love your facility with melody. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
thank you so much..very useful in church services. God bless you with many blessings and please continue your ministry.