TEXTS TUNES AUTHORS HYMNALS


Text information
Title:We Know That God Works Things for Good
Versifier:Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Meter:8.6.8.6
Scripture:Romans 8:28-39; Romans 8:39
Topic:Intercession of Christ; Providence; Assurance; Comfort & Encouragement; Election; Refuge; Victory
Language:English
First Line:We know that God works things for good
Copyright:Text and music © 1986, Calvin Seerveld

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Rom. 8:28
st. 2 = Rom. 8:29-30
st. 3 = Rom. 8:31-34
st. 4 = Rom. 8:35
st. 5 = Rom. 8:37-39

The often-quoted Scripture passage Romans 8:28-39 says that God chose some to be his people, that he justified them in Jesus Christ, and that nothing whatsoever can separate them – us – from the love of God in Christ. Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) paraphrased this passage in 1985 and set it to a tune he composed and dedicated in tribute to the Christian faith of his father, Lester. The song was first published in the 1987 Psalter Hymnal.

Liturgical Use:
As a sung confession of faith, an alternative to reciting the Apostles' or Nicene Creed; also suitable for funerals (using the tune ST. ANNE; 170).

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune information
Title:LESTER
Harmonist:Dale Grotenhuis (1986)
Composer:Calvin Seerveld (1985)
Meter:8.6.8.6
Key:D Minor
Copyright:Text and music © 1986, Calvin Seerveld

Seerveld’s LESTER is a common-meter tune in minor tonality and features an effective syncopation in its final phrase. Everyone should sing stanzas 1, 2, and 5; stanzas 3 and 4 could be sung a choir to highlight the questions in the text. The harmony was com¬posed by Dale Grotenhuis (PHH 4) in 1986.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook