GOD THE FATHER >> Love of God
SDAH 81
Though I speak with tongues of men and angels,
Though I have the prophet’s gift,
Though I hold the keys to hidden knowledge,
Though my faith can mountains shift;
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: Though I Speak With Tongues
Fred Pratt Green (1903– ) penned this hymn as a poetic reflection on 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing that without love, all gifts and actions are meaningless. Originally titled Hymn of Love, it was written with the tune DEVOTION in mind. A Methodist minister and prolific hymn writer, Pratt Green played a significant role in the resurgence of contemporary hymnody in Britain during the 1960s and 1970s.
The tune JANELLE was composed by James Bingham (1945– ) specifically for this text. He named it after his wife, Janelle Diane Bingham, in gratitude for her selfless support during his doctoral studies.
As we sing, may we be reminded that true Christian living is measured not by knowledge or eloquence, but by love.
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
As servants of God, we don’t just go out and work endlessly. We have to keep in mind the main reason why we serve and that is because we love Jesus and care for His people. (Lesson 9, 1st Quarter 2021 -Tuesday, Persian “Messiah”, 2/23/2021)
Under the title “Hymn of Love,” this text appeared in The Hymns and Ballads of Fred Pratt Green, Hope Publishing Company, 1982. Basing it on the first six versed of the love chapter 1, 1 Corinthians 13, Pratt Green (1903- ;see Biographies) wrote it with the tune DEVOTION (composed by the late Edwin Quick, formerly choirmaster of Westborough Methodist Church, Scarborough, England) in mind. Pratt Green, a Methodist minister, is recognized as one of the British poets responsible for and “explosion” of hymns in contemporary language written in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s.
James Bingham (1945- ; see SDAH 54) a member of the SDAH Committee, writes: “When I read the words ‘Though I speak with tongues,’ by Fred Pratt Green, I was immediately struck with their power and beauty. The meter of the hymn precluded and familiar tune being given it, so the only alternative was to create a new one. The long meter and the sentiments of the text seemed to dictate fairly long phrases, which characterizes the first four lines. Care was taken not to make these lines detract from climatic thought: ‘Without love I am no better.’ At this point the music takes a more triumphant note, while the application of love— the last two lines—becomes more reflective again.
“The tune name JANELLE is taken from my wife’s name, Janelle Diane (Decker) Bingham. I chose it because she, more than any other, has taught me the meaning of earthly love, giving me a clearer understanding of the selfless heavenly love of Jesus. At the time of composing this music, she was working up to 15 hours a day, six days a week, to put me through my doctoral studies. I had planned to open the new hymnal and let her see her name there for the first time. However, my Sunday church, the First Congregational church of Benton Harbor, Michigan, wanted to premier the work. My wife came to that performance, and when handed a bulletin she was astonished to find her name attached to the tune. The minister singled her out, honoring her for her dedication to me and her tireless work that enabled me to obtain my doctorate. It was a very moving occasion!”
Bingham also composed the tunes for SDAH 54, PHOS HILARON; SDAH 102, YOU YANGS; and SDAH 148, INFINITE LOVE.
Stanza:
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Text
1
Though I speak with tongues of men and angels,
Though I have the prophet’s gift,
Though I hold the keys to hidden knowledge,
Though my faith can mountains shift;
Without love I am no better,
Without love it’s all for naught;
Lord, You spent Your life in loving others:
What this means I would be taught.
2
Love is patient, knows no envy,
Never gloats when others sin;
Love is never glad to see injustice,
Always wants the truth to win.
There’s no end to love’s endurance,
There’s no test it cannot face;
Lord, You spent Your life in loving others:
I shall fail without Your grace.
3
Though there’ll be an end to hidden knowledge,
Visions, raptures, prophecy:
Faith and hope and love shall last forever,
Love the greatest of the three.
Without love I am no better,
Without love it’s all for naught;
Lord, You gave Your life in saving others:
What this means I would be taught.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
1 Cor. 13
Author
Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000)
Performance Suggestions
Unison
Copyright
Words copyright 1982 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music copyright 1984 by James Bingham.
Hymn Tune
JANELLE
Metrical Number
10.7.10.7.8.7.10.7.
Composer
James Bingham (1945-)
Year Composed
1984
Theme
LOVE OF GOD
