Horatio G. Spafford was a prominent American lawyer, hymn writer, and businessman, known for his emotional hymn When Peace, Like a River.
While he faced several personal tragedies, including the loss of his children, Spafford’s faith and trust in God were reflected in his music.
His most famous hymn is still sung in churches worldwide, offering comfort and peace to listeners. Spafford’s legacy continues through his profound spiritual contributions.
About the Song
When Peace, Like a River, actually called It is well with my Soul is a hymn about finding peace and comfort amid sorrow, based on Spafford’s tragedy. The lyrics convey a deep sense of trust in God’s plan, even in the face of suffering.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | 1873 |
| Writers | Horatio G. Spafford |
Lyrics of When Peace, Like a River
WHEN peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul!”
It is well with my soul!
It is well, it is well with my soul!
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Other Variations of the Hymn
Variation 1
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Refrain (may be sung after final stanza only):
It is well with my soul;
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul.
Variation 2
When peace, like a river, attends all my way,
when sorrows like sea-billows roll,
whatever my path, you have taught me to say,
‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’
‘It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.’
Though Satan may buffet, though trials may come,
let this calm assurance control:
that Christ knows my need and my helplessness here
and has shed his own blood for my soul.
The joy, O the joy of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me it is Christ, it is Christ now to live!
Though death’s waters over me roll,
no fear shall be mine, for in death as in life
you will whisper your peace to my soul.
But, Lord, for your coming in glory we wait;
the sky, not the grave, is our goal;
the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend:
bless the Lord, bless the Lord, O my soul!
Variation 3
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul!”
It is well with my soul!
It is well, it is well with my soul!
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live;
If dark hours about me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Background of the Song
When Peace, Like a River was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873 after he tragically lost his four daughters in a shipwreck.
During his voyage to join his wife who survived the disaster, Spafford wrote the hymn’s lyrics, expressing peace and surrender to God’s will.
The hymn beautifully reflects Spafford’s deep faith, with its message of trusting in God’s sovereignty despite personal suffering and pain.
It has since become a staple in Christian hymnody, comforting many during times of loss.
Composers who gave life to this Hymn by their Music
The hymn When Peace, Like a River has been composed and arranged by various musicians since its inception. Philip P. Bliss, a prominent American hymn writer and composer, set Spafford’s words to music in 1876.
Bliss’s arrangement has been the most commonly used, and he is credited with adapting the hymn to its widely recognized tune.
Over the years, various artists and choirs have performed and recorded their versions of the hymn, keeping its message alive through modern arrangements.
Similar Songs Like When Peace, Like a River
Fans of When Peace, Like a River will also enjoy these other hymns that convey themes of faith, comfort, and trust in God:
- It Is Well with My Soul: Written by Spafford, this hymn speaks to finding peace amid tragedy, offering solace through unwavering faith.
- Amazing Grace: A beloved classic that celebrates grace and redemption, conveying a message of divine mercy, akin to the theme of comfort found in Spafford’s hymn.
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Emphasizing God’s unshakable faithfulness, this hymn mirrors Spafford’s focus on trusting in God’s plan and experiencing peace.
- Be Still My Soul: Encouraging surrender to God’s will, this song brings peace and reassurance in times of distress, much like Spafford’s hymn.
Similar Hymn Writers like Horatio G. Spafford
For those who appreciate the deep spiritual reflections of Horatio G. Spafford, here are some other influential Christian hymn writers:
- Fanny Crosby
Genre: Hymn writing, Gospel
Top Albums: Blessed Assurance, To God Be the Glory - John Newton
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Top Albums: Amazing Grace (Hymn), Faith’s Review and Expectation - Isaac Watts
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Top Albums: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Joy to the World - William Cowper
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Top Albums: There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood, God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meaning Behind When Peace, Like a River?
The song expresses peace and trust in God, even in the midst of personal suffering and loss.
Can I Find Different Versions of When Peace, Like a River?
Yes, many artists and choirs have performed their renditions of the hymn, offering unique versions for worship and personal enjoyment.
Why is When Peace, Like a River so Popular?
The hymn’s message of finding peace through faith has resonated with generations, making it a staple in Christian worship.
