It Is Well With My Soul (remake of "When Peace Like a River")

As leery as I am to mess with what is an old favorite, I find myself dissatisfied with “When Peace Like a River.” The hymn has an interesting story: Spafford wrote this after losing his four children at sea, with only his wife surviving. However, like “I Love to Tell the Story,” which doesn’t actually tell the story of Jesus and His love, “When Peace Like a River” doesn’t fully explain why “It is well with my soul.” I put pen to paper, and this is the result. I’m sure it won’t get any use—people don’t like it when you mess with their favorites—but I thought I’d try.

It Is Well With My Soul

1. The Word in the water does wash sins away.
That Baptismal grace makes me whole.
And though I still sin I can faithfully say,
“Jesus Christ makes it well with my soul.”
(chorus) It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.

2. The Word of forgiveness comes from Christ Himself—
He touches my lips with a coal.
I kneel and confess all my sins—wretched filth—
And His Word makes it well with my soul. (chorus)

3. His body and blood in the Supper will feed
My spirit and body—the whole.
These gifts—means of grace—they provide all I need
For my soul—thank the Lord!—for my soul! (chorus)

∆ 4. O Father in heaven, I’m yearning to feast
Where sin, death and hell take no toll.
You reign with the Spirit and Christ, our High Priest.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! (chorus)


© 1873, 2009 Horatio Gates Spafford, Alan Kornacki, Jr.
11 8 11 9 refrain
Tune: VILLE DU HAVRE
Occasion: Cross and Comfort