WORSHIP >> OPENING OF WORSHIP
SDAH 59
Great our joy as now we gather
Where the Master makes us one:
Where we worship God the Father
Thro’ the Spirit of His Son.
Get the hymn sheet in other keys here
For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Great Our Joy As Now We Gather
Fred Pratt Green (1903– ) wrote this hymn for the anniversary of Guildford Methodist Church in Surrey, England, in 1972. At the request of hymnologist John Wilson (see SDAH 397), Green crafted a text that celebrates worship and community, perfectly matching the grandeur of Herbert Howells’ tune MICHAEL.
Howells (1892–1983) composed MICHAEL in 1936, naming it after his son. Initially overlooked, the tune gained recognition in the 1960s and is now a treasured part of hymnody. Its sweeping melody and rich harmonies give a sense of reverence and celebration—ideal for this hymn’s joyful call to worship.
May this hymn remind us of the joy found in gathering together to praise God!
Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Text
1
Great our joy as now we gather
Where the Master makes us one:
Where we worship God the Father
Thro’ the Spirit of His Son.
All who search for His church
Find it where His will is done.
2
Precious is the tie that binds us
To our God when faith grows cold;
Precious all that now reminds us
He is still our safe stronghold.
Faithful love serves to prove
Here the Shepherd has His fold.
3
May we learn from Christ’s example
How to use this house of prayer:
He who loved and cleansed His temple
Wants us all to worship there.
God the Son shuts out none:
In His kingdom all may share.
4
Lord, inspire us with Your vision
Of a world which must be won!
Glorious is the church’s mission,
Long endeavoured, scarce begun!
Faithful now – this is how
God’s eternal will is done.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Gal 3:28 (b) Prov 18:10, John 10:16 (c) Mark 11:15, 17 (d) Matt 24:14
Author
Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000)
Year Published
1972
Performance Suggestions
Unison
Copyright
Words copyright 1973 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music reproduced by permission of Novello & Company Limited.
Hymn Tune
MICHAEL
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.3.3.7.
Composer
Herbert Howells (1892-1983)
Year Composed
1936
Theme
OPENING OF WORSHIP
Explore more hymns:
