818 Hymn 1005 His Eye is on the Sparrow

The Cultural Hall Podcast

Hymn Overview – #1005 His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Listen to the Hymn

Tabernacle Choir Version

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Matthew 10:29-31

• Key Lines: “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, for His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
• Historical Context: Composed in 1905 by Charles H. Gabriel and Civilla D. Martin. The hymn draws its inspiration from Matthew 10:29-31, emphasizing God’s omnipresence and care for all creatures, providing assurance to believers of His constant vigilance.

• Early in the spring of 1905, Dr. Martin and her husband were staying in Elmira, New York. During their stay, they developed a deep friendship with a couple named Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, who were true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nearly twenty years, and her husband, an incurable cripple, had to use a wheelchair to get to and from his business. Despite their afflictions, the Doolittles led joyful Christian lives, providing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day, while visiting the Doolittles, Dr. Martin’s husband remarked on their bright hopefulness and asked them the secret to it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith deeply moved Dr. Martin and her husband. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the result of that experience.

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Commonality Outside LDS Culture: This hymn is well-known in many Christian denominations and is particularly popular in African American gospel music traditions. Numerous artists have performed it, and it has been featured in various films and television shows, showcasing its widespread appeal.
• Theme and Doctrine: The central theme is trust in God’s care and providence. It teaches the doctrine of God’s omnipresence and His attentive care for all His creations, aligning with the biblical reassurance that God is mindful of every living being.
• Hymn Selection Criteria:
  1. Increase faith in and worship of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ: Emphasize trust in divine care.
  2. Teach core doctrine with power and clarity: Clear message about God’s vigilance and care.
  3. Invite joyful singing at home and at church: Uplifting and reassuring melody and lyrics.
  4. Comfort the weary and inspire people to endure in faith: Provides comfort through its message of divine care.
  5. Unify Latter-day Saints and others throughout the world: Its popularity across various Christian denominations fosters unity.

Inclusion Rationale

• If newly included, its universal message of divine care and its popularity outside the LDS tradition make it a strong candidate for inclusion.
• If it was previously included and then removed, its reintroduction could be due to renewed appreciation of its comforting message and widespread appeal.

Impact and Reception

• Initial Reactions: Positive feedback from the LDS community is anticipated due to the hymn’s comforting message and its familiarity to many members through various Christian and gospel music contexts.
• Impact on Worship Services and Personal Study: Likely to enhance worship experiences by providing a familiar and comforting hymn that encourages trust in God’s care.

Additional Notes

• Interesting Facts: The hymn has been widely recorded by artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Ethel Waters, and Whitney Houston, among others. Its inclusion in popular culture underscores its impact and the powerful message it conveys.
• Personal Stories: Many individuals have shared testimonies of finding comfort in this hymn during times of personal struggle, reinforcing its message of divine reassurance.

Multimedia Elements

• Links to Performances: Available through LDS Gospel Library and other platforms.
• Visuals: Images of sparrows and scenes reflecting God’s care and presence.

Original Lyrics

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know[b]

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, (it is well),

With my soul, (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 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,

A song in the night, oh my soul![c]

By providing both historical context and exploring its cultural and religious significance, this overview offers a comprehensive understanding of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” within the framework for the ‘Hear Hymn’ segment.

Discovering “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”

As we explore the hymns featured in the new LDS hymnbook, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” (#1005) emerges as a hymn of deep comfort and faith. Its soothing melody and reassuring lyrics invite us to trust in God’s constant care, a message that resonates universally across various Christian traditions.

A Glimpse into the Hymn’s History

Composed in 1905 by Charles H. Gabriel and Civilla D. Martin, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” draws its inspiration from Matthew 10:29-31. The hymn’s creation was inspired by a profound experience in Elmira, New York, where Dr. Martin and her husband were staying early in the spring of 1905. During their stay, they befriended Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, a couple whose unwavering faith and joy despite severe physical ailments left a lasting impression. When asked about the secret to their hopeful outlook, Mrs. Doolittle simply replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” This simple yet powerful expression of faith moved Dr. Martin deeply, leading to the creation of this beloved hymn.

Beyond LDS Culture: A Universal Hymn

“His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is particularly popular in African American gospel music traditions and has been performed by numerous artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Ethel Waters, and Whitney Houston. Its inclusion in various films and television shows further underscores its widespread appeal and cultural significance. One of my favorites is the version from the movie *Sister Act 2*, performed by Tanya Blount and Lauryn Hill.

https://youtu.be/N9-Z-QNVIaE?si=LsnoeZhCcZ9ru8RW&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

The central theme of the hymn is trust in God’s care and providence. It beautifully teaches the doctrine of God’s omnipresence and attentive care for all His creations, aligning perfectly with the biblical reassurance that God is mindful of every living being.

Why This Hymn? The Church’s Criteria for Hymn Selection

The Church’s hymn selection process emphasizes pieces that foster worship, teach core doctrines, and inspire joy and unity. “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” excels in all these areas:

1. Increase Faith and Worship:
   The hymn emphasizes trust in divine care, fostering faith and worship.
2. Teach Core Doctrine with Power and Clarity:
   Its clear message about God’s vigilance and care resonates deeply.
3. Invite Joyful Singing:
   The uplifting and reassuring melody and lyrics make it ideal for joyful singing at home and in church.
4. Comfort the Weary and Inspire Endurance:
   The hymn’s comforting message provides solace and encouragement.
5. Unify Believers:
   Its popularity across various Christian denominations fosters a sense of unity.

Welcoming a Timeless Hymn

The inclusion of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” in the LDS hymnbook brings a hymn with a universal message of divine care and trust. Its familiarity and comforting lyrics make it a strong candidate for inclusion, appealing to a broad audience both within and outside the LDS tradition.

The Hymn’s Impact on Worship

The addition of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is anticipated to be warmly received, especially given its comforting message and widespread recognition. Its presence in worship services and personal study is likely to enhance the spiritual experience by encouraging trust in God’s care and providing solace during times of personal struggle.

Interesting Tidbits

The hymn has been widely recorded by a range of artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Ethel Waters, and Whitney Houston. Its inclusion in popular culture highlights the powerful message it conveys. Many individuals have shared personal testimonies of finding comfort in this hymn during challenging times, reinforcing its message of divine reassurance.

Experience the Hymn

For those eager to experience “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” you can find renditions in the LDS Gospel Library or enjoy a beautiful YouTube performance. Visuals associated with the hymn’s theme often include images of sparrows and scenes reflecting God’s care and presence, further enriching the experience.

In summary, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is a hymn of comfort and faith, beloved across various Christian traditions. Its message of God’s omnipresence and attentive care makes it a powerful addition to the LDS hymnbook. As we sing this hymn, we join a global chorus of believers who trust in the divine care that watches over every sparrow, and by extension, each one of us.

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