Commemoration November 25: Isaac Watts

Commemoration

Isaac Watts, Hymnwriter, d. 1748

Reflection

Isaac Watts is known as the creator of the English hymn. Dissatisfied with the poor quality of the versified psalms in use in the church of his day, he set out to do better, and his Hymns and Spiritual Songs collection demonstrates the results of his labors. He was an ordained pastor, but failing health forced him to spend his last 26 years in the house of Sir Thomas Abney, preaching and teaching only occasionally. These years were prolific for the brilliant scholar and writer of theology, philosophy, and verse. He died after many years of suffering. He has been called the Melanchthon (Martin Luther’s close friend and defender of the Reformation) of his day because of his learning, gentleness, and devotion. A monument to Watts is in Westminster Abbey.

Watt’s hymns include “Joy to the World,” “Alas and Did My Savior Bleed,” “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Give to Our God Immortal Praise,” and “Jesus Shall Reign.” 

Prayer

O God, Whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven with hymns and spiritual songs of praise: Give us the wings of faith to behold the joyful glory of your saints, and to be so strengthened by the vigorous poetry of your servant Isaac Watts that we may faithfully walk in the path you have set before us, and at last, through your grace, possess the land of pure delight opened to us by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Philip H. Pfatteicher)