Count Your Blessings

• 1 Chronicles 29:12-13
  (hymns)
• Psalm 40:5-6
  (hymns)
• Psalm 103:2
  (hymns)
• Psalm 107:31
  (hymns)
• Psalm 136
  (hymns)
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
  (hymns)
• Ephesians 1:3
  (hymns)
• Ephesians 1:5
  (hymns)
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  (hymns)

• Year B, Ordinary Time, Proper 7 (12)

Text:

The text for “When Upon Life’s Billows you are Tempest Tossed” was written in 1897 by Johnson Oatman. Growing up, Oatman realized that he would never be a great singer or preacher, but he eventually discovered his passion: hymn writing. He became a prolific writer and wrote over 5000 hymns throughout his lifetime. Most hymnals published today have at least one of his songs. Instead of being discouraged by his lack of musical oratory skills, Oatman found hope in his ability to write.

Tune:

The tune for “When Upon Life’s Billows you are Tempest Tossed,” BLESSINGS, was written in 1897 by Edwin O. Excell. Like his collaborator Johnson Oatman, Excell produced a massive amount of work over the course of his lifetime—over 2000 songs. The tune is bright and uplifting, supporting the lyrics with bright hopeful notes.

When/Why/How:

This hymn would work well around Thanksgiving, but could easily be incorporated into other services. The song should be played at a brisk tempo, not rushing, but moving quickly along.

Suggested music for this hymn:

• For the Piano: “Blessings”
• For the Organ: “3 Gospel Favorites for Organ”
• For the Cello: “Cello Solos for Worship”
• For the Trumpet: “Trumpet Solos for Worship Vol. 2”

Luke Getz
Hymnary.org

FlexScores are available in the Media section below.