Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#221

221. We Know That God Works Things for Good

Text Information

• First Line: We know that God works things for good
• Title: We Know That God Works Things for Good
• Versifier: Calvin Seerveld (1985)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Romans 8:28-39
  ;
  Romans 8:39
• Topic: Intercession of Christ; Comfort & Encouragement; Election; Assurance; Providence; Refuge; Victory
• Copyright: Text and music © 1986, Calvin Seerveld

Tune Information

• Name: LESTER
• Composer: Calvin Seerveld (1985)
• Harmonizer: Dale Grotenhuis (1986)
• Meter: CM
• Key: d minor
• Copyright: Text and music © 1986, Calvin Seerveld

Text Information:

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:

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