JESUS CHRIST >> PRIESTHOOD
SDAH 180
O listen to our wondrous story,
Counted once among the lost;
Yet One came down from heaven’s glory,
Saving us at awful cost!
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: O Listen to Our Wondrous Story
This powerful gospel hymn presents the unique priesthood of Christ—our Substitute and Intercessor. Written by James Martin Gray, it emphasizes Hebrews 7:25: “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” The antiphonal nature of the refrain invites deep reflection and response. As we ponder Christ’s loving sacrifice, may we answer with conviction: “Yes, it was He who died for me.”
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Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
This is one of only four hymns SDAH has on the priesthood of Christ. The refrain, with its unusual antiphonal phrases between the treble and bass clefs, is based on Hebrews 7:24, 25.
The first publication of the hymn was in Hymns for His Praise, 1903. It was copied, for example, for some 125 hymnals up to the year 1966 included.
James Martin Gray was born May 11, 1851, in New York, New York, and became a rector in the Reformed Episcopal Church and a lecturer in his denomination’s seminary in Philadelphia. In 1893 he went, at D. L. Moody’s invitation, to teach Bible at the Bible Institute for Home and Foreign Missions (later called Moody Bible Institute). After Moody’s death Gray became president in 1925 and stayed there until retirement in 1934. He died at Chicago, September 21, 1935. Gray authored a number of books; he also guided in the publication of the Voice of Thanksgiving, Nos. 1 to 4, 1913–1928, the official hymnals for the institute. Another of his gospel songs that was well known in his era was “Nor Silver Nor Gold,” which F. E. Belden (see Biographies) printed in his best-selling Christ in Song, 1908.
For comments on William Owen (1814–1893) and another of his tunes, see SDAH 165, BRYN CALFARIA.
The durable quality of this hymn is seen in the fact that it appeared on the program and was sung at the “Gymanfa Ganu” (Welsh Hymn Sing) Sunday, April 14, 1985, at the Presbyterian St. Andrew’s Church, Toronto, Canada.
Stanza:
1 – Matthew 18:11
2 – 2 Corinthians 5:19
R – Romans 6:23
Hebrews 7:25
Text
1
O listen to our wondrous story,
Counted once among the lost;
Yet One came down from heaven’s glory,
Saving us at awful cost!
Refrain
Who saved us from eternal loss?
Who but God’s Son upon the cross?
What did He do? He died for you!
Where is He now? Believe it thou,
In heaven interceding! In heaven interceding!
2
No angel could His place have taken,
Highest of the high tho’ he;
The loved One on the cross forsaken
Was One of the Godhead three!
3
Will you surrender to this Savior?
To His scepter humbly bow?
You, too, shall come to know His favor,
He will save you, save you now.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Matt 18:11 (b) 2 Cor 5:19 (r) Rom 6:23; Heb 7:25
Author
James M. Gray (1851-1935)
Hymn Tune
WHAT DID HE DO?
Metrical Number
9.7.9.7.Ref.
Composer
William Owen (1814-1893)
