WORSHIP >> CLOSE OF WORSHIP
SDAH 66
God be with you till we meet again;
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
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Hymn Spotlight: God Be With You
Jeremiah Eames Rankin (1828–1904) wrote this farewell hymn while pastoring in Washington, D.C., where he often bid goodbye to congregants moving away. Inspired by the meaning of “goodbye” (a contraction of “God be with you”), he crafted it as a blessing of peace and protection. Echoing biblical farewells like 2 Corinthians 13:11, it offers a prayer for God’s presence to go with us.
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) composed this tune for the 1906 English Hymnal, where he served as musical editor. With its elegant, flowing lines and subtle melodic leaps, this setting offers a more stately and contemplative alternative to the well-loved gospel tune by William Tomer. Many hymnals have adopted Vaughan Williams’ version, but the SDAH Committee chose to include both, recognizing the unique beauty each brings to the text.
As we sing this hymn, may its gentle melody and timeless blessing remind us of God’s abiding presence as we part from one another.
Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Text
1
God be with you till we meet again;
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you:
God be with you till we meet again.
2
God be with you till we meet again;
Neath His wings securely hide you,
Daily manna still provide you:
God be with you till we meet again.
3
God be with you till we meet again;
When life’s perils thick confound you,
Put His arms unfailing round you:
God be with you till we meet again.
4
God be with you till we meet again;
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Smite death’s threatening wave before you:
God be with you till we meet again.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) John 10:16 (b) Ps 17:8, John 6:31 (c) Deut 33:27 (r) 2 Cor 13:11
Author
Jeremiah E. Rankin (1828-1904)
Performance Suggestions
Unison and harmony
Copyright
Music from the English Hymnal by permission of Oxford University Press
Hymn Tune
RANDOLPH
Metrical Number
9.8.8.9
Composer
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Theme
CLOSE OF WORHIP
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