I Thank my God (each time I think of you)

This hymn is based on Chapter 1 of Paul's letter to the Philippians, verses 3-11.

It was written by Australian Roman Catholic priest, liturgist and composer Frank Andersen MSC, and originally published in his Eagles Wings collection.  It is included in the Scripture in Song - The Music of Frank Andersen MSC collection, which is still available.   Both of there include lead-sheet style sheet music.

Sheet music now available for purchase and digital download from the Marist Music website.

The tune was written by Fr Andersen:  it is in a major key (A in the original printing), with a 4/4 time signature.  The first few notes in this key are E, c E F.  The scan in the verses is tricky, and the original printing suggested that they needed to be sung by a cantor or choir, with the congregation joining the chorus.

The range of videos on YouTube suggest that the hymn has become popular in the Pacific and perhaps Latin America.




Downloads


Examples

Solo singer, accompanying himself on guitar - with light vocal backing in the chorus


Band, with a distinct Latino sound and an upbeat tempo:


Solo singer with keyboard + band backing - at a sedate pace similar to the original recording:


Original recording:


Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.

The song starts with a 4-line chorus which is repeated after each of the verses, which are also four lines long. A rough outline is:
Chorus:
I thank my God
Each time I think of you.
And when I pray for you,
I pray with joy.

1 Now there is one thing I am sure of,

2 That I should feel like this towards you

3 Since you have borne with me my burdens,

4 I pray your knowledge will be deepened ...

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KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
Chorus:
I thank my God each time I think of you!
And when I pray for you, I pray with joy.

Now there is one thing I am sure of,
He who began His work in you,
Will see that it is truly finished,
When the day of Jesus comes!

That I should feel like this towards you
Seems only natural to me.
For you have shared with me my labours!
The Gospel privilege with me!

Since you have borne with me my burdens,
I now bear you within my heart!
And God alone knows how I miss you!
I love you just as Christ loves me!

I pray your knowledge will be deepened!
Your love be mutual and strong!
Then you will reach the perfect goodness!
Then to the Lord you will belong!

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