It Is Well With My Soul
Spafford's testimony of peace after losing his four daughters at sea.
Download PDFSpafford's testimony of peace after losing his four daughters at sea. Written by Horatio G. Spafford (1873), set to the tune "Ville du Havre" by Philip P. Bliss.
Suggested pairing scripture
Isaiah 66:12
"Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river."
Read Isaiah 66:12 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "It Is Well With My Soul." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing at funerals, memorial services, hospital visits, and any time the congregation needs the consolation of God's presence.
Lyrics
Stanza 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.
Stanza 2
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Stanza 3
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!
Stanza 4
And 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.
History & Background
Horatio Spafford penned these words after the SS Ville du Havre sank in 1873, taking his four daughters. Crossing the Atlantic later, he wrote the hymn near the spot of the wreck. Philip P. Bliss composed the tune the following year.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
1 Thessalonians 4:16
"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What tragedy inspired It Is Well With My Soul?
Spafford's four daughters died when the SS Ville du Havre sank in November 1873. Sailing to meet his grieving wife, he wrote the hymn as the ship passed near where they perished.
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "It Is Well With My Soul"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
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