In all my ways, in every task

Representative Text

1 In all my ways, in every task,
the counsel of my God I ask,
who rules all things aright;
unless he guides both thought and deed
the wisest plans cannot succeed;
in vain is human might.

2 I lean upon his mighty arm;
he keeps me safe from every harm
and all calamity.
If by his guidance I shall live,
whatever's useful he will give,
and naught can injure me.

3 To those I love he will be near,
their heart with bounteous gifts will cheer;
he is my shield and theirs;
and he will grant beyond our thought
what they and I alike have sought
with all our fervent prayers.

4 Then let me never be afraid,
but trust in him who all has made;
on him reliant rest.
Through life, wherever I may go,
my loving God will always know
what for my need is best.

Source: Together in Song: Australian hymn book II #553

Author: Paul Flemming

Flemming, Paul , son of Abraham Flemming or Fleming, then schoolmaster at Hartenstein, near Zwickau, Saxony (afterwards pastor of Wechselburg, near Mittweida), was born at Hartenstein, Oct. 5 or 12, 1609. He entered the St. Thomas School, Leipzig, in 1623, and matriculated at the University of Leipzig at Michaelmas, 1626, At the University he devoted himself to the study of medicine and of poetry, being laureated as a poet in 1631, and graduating M.A. in 1632. In order to find refuge from the troubles of the Thirty Years' War he went to Holstein in 1633. In the same year he joined an embassy which Duke Friedrich of Schleswig-Holstein was about to send to his brother-in-law, the Russian Czar, as gentleman in waiting and "taster." In this exp… Go to person page >

Translator: Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >

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Together in Song #553

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