Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#169

169. I Will Sing of the Mercies of the LORD

Text Information

• First Line: I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever
• Title: I Will Sing of the Mercies of the LORD
• Versifier (st. 1): James H. Fillmore, 1849-1936
• Versifier (st. 2): Marie J. Post (1983)
• Meter: PM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 89:1-8
• Topic: Songs for Children: Bible Songs; Angels; Faithfulness of God; Mercy
• Copyright: St 2 © 1987, CRC Publications

Tune Information

• Name: FILLMORE
• Composer: James H. Fillmore, 1849-1936
• Meter: PM
• Key: D Major

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 89:1
st. 2 = Ps. 89:5, 8, 1

Composed by James Fillmore around the turn of the century, this song became popular during the 1960s and, later, in the movement to sing the Scriptures in simple chorus settings. Stanza 1 is identical to the King James Version for Psalm 89:1. Marie J. Post (PHH 5) added a second stanza based partially on 89:5, 8 in 1983. The biblical text versified in this song expresses the praise due to God from all creatures–both earthly and angelic–for his covenant faithfulness and mercy. For further commentary on this psalm see PHH 89.

Liturgical Use:
Beginning of worship and other points of praise in worship; baptisms (especially easy for children to learn); after confession of sin and reassurance of forgiveness, when worshipers will want to praise God for his mercy. See also PHH 89.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

James Henry Fillmore (b. Cincinnati, OH, 1849; d. Cincinnati, 1936) began his musical career by teaching music classes in a singing school and by selling music books (mainly those published by his father). The success of these early sales enabled him to establish, with his brother Frank, the Fillmore Brothers Music House of Cincinnati (sold to Carl Fischer in 1951). The company became very successful, especially in the publishing of Sunday school music, gospel songs, temperance and prohibition songs, and general sheet music. Fillmore issued a monthly periodical, The Musical Messenger, in which he initially published his hymns before issuing them in hymnals such as Songs of Glory (1874), New Christian Hymn and Tune-Book (1882), and The Praise Hymnal (1912).

FILLMORE is one of the most popular Scripture songs of the later twentieth century. The diatonic tune and simple harmonization is effective-if not overused. Accompany with guitar and/or keyboard. Organ accompaniment should be rhythmically crisp over a legato pedal.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook