🎶 Saturday Singspiration: Thank You, Lord, for Saving My Soul 🎶
The Story Behind the Song
Authors: Seth Sykes (1892–1950) & Bessie Sykes (1905–1982)
Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Seth and Bessie Sykes traveled extensively across the UK as traveling evangelists. Seth preached the Word and penned the lyrics to many beloved hymns, while Bessie composed the music and provided accompaniment on a folding organ. To vividly illustrate their messages and draw communities to their meetings, they utilized engaging lantern slide shows.
The story behind how “Thank You, Lord, for Saving My Soul” came to be is captured in “A Great Little Man, A Biography of Evangelist Seth Sykes” (copyright 1958, written by Seth Sykes, Jr. and Bessie Sykes):
“Thank You, Lord was born [in 1940] in a railway carriage between Edinburgh and Glasgow and has been wonderfully used of God. It has been translated into more than 70 different languages including French, German, Arabic and Chinese, and is sung both on radio and Television throughout the globe. Many touching stories have been told of how it has brought comfort and cheer to those nearing the end of Life’s weary way.
One dear man heard it sung over a Canadian broadcasting network. He had come from Scotland to Canada, and somehow had lost touch with Christ. He determined to renew the covenant. Seeking the origin of the chorus, he was put in touch with Mr. and Mrs. Sykes and memories of an old friendship were revived.”
Lyrics
Verse 1
Some thank the Lord for friends and home,
For mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace —
In prayer I would repeat:
Chorus
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
Verse 2
Some thank Him for the flow’rs that grow,
Some for the stars that shine;
My heart is filled with joy and praise
Because I know He’s mine.
Scripture Reflection
Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
1 Chronicles 16:34 – O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.
Listen & Worship
Take a moment to listen and reflect on this timeless hymn of gratitude here:
🔗 Thank You, Lord, For Saving My Soul – Dick Saunders London Crusade
If you enjoyed this story, explore more featured songs in our Hymn History section.