This week I shared with you “Nearer My God To Thee” and “Abiding Grace” world famous popular Christian hymns. Today I am presenting you, “How Great Thou Art" another Christian hymn based on a Swedish traditional melody and lyrics written by Carl Boberg (1859–1940) in Mönsterås, Sweden, in 1885. It was translated into German and then into Russian. It was translated into English from the Russian by English missionary Stuart K. Hine, who also added two original verses of his own. It was popularised by George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows during the Billy Graham programmes. It was voted the United Kingdom's favourite hymn by BBC’s Songs of Praise. "How Great Thou Art" was ranked second (after "Amazing Grace") on a list of the favourite hymns of all time in a survey by Christianity Today magazine in 2001.
The author, Carl Boberg himself gave the following information about the inspiration behind his lyrics: It was that time of year when everything seemed to be in its richest colouring; the birds were singing in trees and everywhere. It was very warm; a thunderstorm appeared on the horizon and soon there was thunder and lightning. We had to hurry to shelter. But the storm was soon over and the clear sky appeared. When I came home I opened my window toward the sea. There evidently had been a funeral and the bells were playing the tune of "When eternity's clock calls my saved soul to its Sabbath rest". That evening, I wrote the song, "O Store Gud" (How Great Thou Art). This hymn reminds us that irrespective of our status and ranks, we have to acknowledge that God is the Supreme Master and we have to surrender to Him in humility and faith. For more than a year, and especially these days the entire world, and especially our country India is filled with fear, terror, horror and uncertainty of the effects of Covid-19. To use the Indian terminology “Yama the god of death” is dancing and reining all around us and terrorizing the weak . To whom he will choose as his next victim, he only knows. It appears that he is selective and partial in his choice. While those who are in power, position, and rich seem to escape his claws, the poor, marginalized, middle class, senior citizens, sickly persons, helpless, and voiceless find extremely difficult to escape from his clenching jaws. Who can save us from this hopeless situation, where nobody knows who will survive or succumb. The sword of Damocles is hanging over our heads. In this hopeless situation, besides taking all care on our part, we need to find ways and means to synergize our spiritual energy. “How Great Thou Art” is one of the tools for it . Irrespective of your religion, listen and reflect on the message of this great hymn. It will surely boost your immunity with spiritual energy, hope, and courage. Here below, I have given three videos of this hymn. 1. Sung in English by thousands of singers. Lyrics are displayed. 2. “Tu Kiti Mahaan”, the Marathi version is presented by Grace Ministries, Vasai, Maharashtra with the blend of elements from the Indian music. The solo is by Sangeeta Awale with her captivating melodious voice. 3. The Hindi version “Prabhu Mahaan” by Disha Group of girls and women. You will surely enjoy these videos even if you do not understand one or two languages. The language of music is universal and it is of the heart. It evokes emotions and fills the heart with feelings. Enjoy your weekend with these videos of “How Great Thou Art”. Remain careful, vigilant, and safe. Pratap Naik sj
