Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends

The author of this hymn text, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., was a noted physician and professor and a celebrated writer. A member of the Harvard University class of 1829, he attended almost every annual class reunion for more than 50 years—and composed a poem or song for 39 of them. For the 1869 reunion, his classmates asked him to write a hymn commemorating the 40th anniversary of their graduation. The result was “Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends,” a reflective text that looks back on lives filled with blessings and gives thanks to God for family, friends, wisdom gained through sorrow, and the “brief, bright moments” that make life beautiful.

In Hymns—For Home and Church, Holmes’s text is paired with the graceful English folk tune “O Waly, Waly.” In the early 1900s, Cecil J. Sharp and Charles L. Marson published this tune after traveling through Somerset County in southern England, where they collected and preserved traditional songs. Since then, the well-known tune has been paired with dozens of sacred and secular texts.

Together, Holmes’s words and the enduring folk melody form a hymn of remembrance and deep gratitude.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends

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Scriptures

Principles

God has a plan to help us have happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.
God’s love and mercy are manifested in the loving relationships we have with family and friends.
Jesus Christ has made it possible for family relationships to continue in eternity.

Questions to Ponder

When have you felt God’s love through your family or Church associations?
What are some ways that you can help others feel God’s love and mercy?
How does understanding Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation help you face difficulties in this life?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Teach that Jesus loves His flock. As you listen to the hymn together, invite your children to listen for the word “flock.” Ask them what they think of when they hear that word. You might talk about how a flock can mean a group of birds or sheep, but in this hymn it refers to those gathered to worship together. Whose arms do you think are enfolding the flock? Invite your children to picture Jesus with His arms around everyone at church, helping us to feel loved and united. While the hymn plays in the background, choose one person to lead the “flock” and let everyone follow as they move from place to place. Then gather and join hands, making one big circle, to show how Jesus lovingly enfolds us as His flock.
Share experiences of God’s love. Ask family members to share something Heavenly Father has given them because He loves them. Listen to the hymn again and see if any of their answers are found in the lyrics. Then share a time when you felt God’s love through a family member or friend, and invite your children to do the same. Encourage your children to watch for moments during the week when they feel God’s love through the kindness and care of others.

Music Helps

This hymn is in 3/2 time, which means that there are three beats in each measure and the half note () will get the beat.

Rhythm counting visual — “Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends” rhythm illustration