Graham Kendrick - Lord Jesus We Thank You Lyrics

Lord Jesus We Thank You

Lord Jesus We Thank You Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on May 18, 2012, Graham Kendrick's "Lord Jesus We Thank You" arrives not with fanfare or complex narrative, but with a singular, crystal-clear purpose: to offer direct, unadorned gratitude to Jesus Christ. This is a song that strips away layers, getting straight to the heart of Christian worship – an authentic response of thanks to the person and work of Jesus. It isn't trying to tell a lengthy story; rather, it embodies a fundamental posture of faith, articulating a truth central to the believer’s experience.

The very act of giving thanks is woven throughout the fabric of Scripture, from the Psalms, filled with expressions of praise and gratitude for God's faithfulness, to the New Testament epistles, which urge believers to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). This song taps directly into that biblical imperative, providing a simple yet powerful framework for people to voice their own thankfulness collectively. Its strength lies in this directness, focusing the worshipper's attention squarely on the recipient of their thanks.

The profound reasons *why* we offer this gratitude are the rich theological veins that this song encourages us to explore, even with its straightforward language. Our thanks are rooted not in abstract ideas, but in the concrete actions of Jesus Christ. We thank Him for His sacrifice – that voluntary laying down of life which paid the price for sin, offering redemption as described in passages like Mark 10:45 and 1 Peter 1:18-19. We thank Him for His love, a love so immense that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We thank Him for the grace He extends, the unmerited favor that saves us through faith, not as a result of works, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-9. The song prompts recognition of these foundational truths – the cross, the forgiveness, the new life – all gifts freely given through Jesus, compelling a response of deep thankfulness that aligns with the hope of salvation articulated in 1 Peter 1:3-4.

Musically, the song typically adopts a style conducive to corporate singing – accessible, often repetitive in a way that aids memorization and participation. This simplicity in form serves the function of unified worship, allowing diverse groups of people to join their voices in a shared expression of thanks. The arrangement supports, rather than overshadows, the core message, facilitating a focus on the words and the One to whom they are addressed. This deliberate structure encourages everyone present to actively participate in the offering of gratitude, making it a communal act rooted in personal conviction.

Ultimately, "Lord Jesus We Thank You" is more than just a song; it's an invitation to pause and intentionally articulate the bedrock of Christian faith – gratitude for what Jesus has done. It serves as a reminder that our response to God's grace and love is one of profound thankfulness, prompting us to reflect on the vast scope of His work on our behalf. By providing a clear and singable expression of thanks, it equips individuals and congregations to fulfill the biblical call to acknowledge and appreciate the immense blessings received through Christ, reinforcing the truth that our lives and our hope are centered entirely on Him (Colossians 3:17). It encourages us to carry this spirit of gratitude into every aspect of our lives, grounded in the unchanging truth of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.