The text and the tune of this Lenten hymn were first published together in The Southern Harmony Hymnal. The words of the title, “What Wondrous Love is This,” only appear once in the four verses commonly sung today.

This melancholy ballad first made popular from a religious revival back in the 1800’s has a meditative “hook” like a campfire song.

Each verse plugs new phrases into the melodic motive that build upon each other.

O my soul -  For my soul - I will sing - I’ll sing on

The lyrics acknowledge a journey of struggle from the inside to a resolve of triumph on the outside. It’s what the 40 days of Lent are all about.

To be honest, my soul seems stuck on the inside. I’d like to sing on and yet I feel like I’m sinking down as things have been on a downslope since 2019. I believe I’m not alone in feeling this way?

The title “What Wondrous Love Is This” recognizes the strength and forgiveness promised from above. I admit that my title “O My Soul” and my setting seem reflective and a bit inward. Yet, it’s my intention that both can be individually and communally appropriate. Some how the current of the rolling left hand, the bittersweet Dorian mode and repeated lyrics lean into our collective tug-of-war with hope. Through the power of verse and tune we can reach out, tighten our grasp and continue our pull on the rope towards hope. 

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down, sinking down,

when I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul,

Christ laid aside his crown for my soul.

- Anonymous

We are not bodies with souls, we are souls embodied. 

- Alan D. Wolfelt