“My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:21)

John Wesley is the father of Methodism, while his brother Charles Wesley is considered the father of Methodist congregational singing. Charles penned around 6,500 hymns during his lifetime, one of the most famous being "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing," written to remember his conversion on May 21, 1738. Each year on the anniversary of his spiritual conversion, Charles made it a tradition to write a hymn of praise to God.

This hymn, initially consisting of eighteen stanzas, first appeared in 1740 and has since become the opening hymn in the Methodist Hymnal. It has become synonymous with Methodist worship, earning it the title of our signature song. Other well-known hymns by Charles Wesley include "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," "Ye Servants of God," and "Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending."

Growing up in the Korean Methodist tradition, "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" was a staple at various church events, revivals, and gatherings. It reflects the core theology, emotions, and essence of Methodism. Whenever I hear this song, it evokes memories of past revivals and retreats.

The hymn encapsulates key Methodist theology, emphasizing God's call to all humanity for salvation and the transformative power of grace. Salvation, unmerited and freely given, leads to a genuine change in the life and soul of the believer. The hymn's title was inspired by Peter Boehler, a Moravian, who expressed his desire: “Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise God with them all.” During a moment of illness, fearing of death, his brother and some friends visited Charles and sang a hymn. After they left, one beautiful phrase stuck Charles to his heart, which has been woven into the third verse of the hymn: “Jesus! The name that charms our fears that bids our sorrows cease.” Singing "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" is deeply ingrained in our Methodist heritage as one of the most esteemed hymns for praising God.

Pastor Seok-Hwan

REFLECTION AND PRAYER:

1. O for a thousand tongues to sing

my great Redeemer's praise,

the glories of my God and King,

the triumphs of his grace!

2. My gracious Master and my God,

assist me to proclaim,

to spread through all the earth abroad

the honors of thy name.

3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

that bids our sorrows cease;

'tis music in the sinner's ears,

'tis life, and health, and peace.

4. He breaks the power of canceled sin,

he sets the prisoner free;

his blood can make the foulest clean;

his blood availed for me.

5. He speaks, and listening to his voice,

new life the dead receive;

the mournful, broken hearts rejoice,

the humble poor believe.

6. Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,

your loosened tongues employ;

ye blind, behold your savior come,

and leap, ye lame, for joy.

7. In Christ, your head, you then shall know,

shall feel your sins forgiven;

anticipate your heaven below,

and own that love is heaven.

Text: Charles Wesley

Music: Carl G. Glaser; arr. by Lowell Mason