We Gather Together (to ask the Lord's blessing)

This is a hymn of thanksgiving. It is based on "Wilt heden nu treden" a Dutch hymn written in in 1625. The English hymn, which is not a direct translation, was made in 1894 by Theodore Baker (1851–1934), and is widely used in America at Thanksgiving.

With meter 12.11.12.11, it is almost always set to the tune KREMSER, from Eduard Kremser's 1877 score arrangement and lyric translation of Wilt Heden Nu Treden.

Downloads

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PowerPoint
slides

2-part choir with optional C instrument & bass. Digital Download, by Hal H. Hopson.

Examples

Congregation with organ and trumpets:

Singer, self-accompanied on guitar:

Instrumental - piano:

Small group with electronic organ:

Lyrics

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to his name; he forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, was at our side; all glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
and pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!