Lord of All Hopefulness (Slane) Lyrics - The Choir of York Minster

"Lord of All Hopefulness (Slane)," as performed by The Choir of York Minster, is a hyn that invokes the presence and guidance of a divine entity throughout the various phases of a day, symbolizing the different stages of life. Each verse addresses a different attribute of this Lord, aligning them with specific times of day and human experiences.

The first verse, "Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy," corelates morning time with hope and joy. The prayer is for this divine presence to instill bliss in the hearts of believers at the start of their day. It reflects a desire for a hopeful beginning, filled with childlike trust and freedom from cares.

In the second verse, "Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith," the focus shifts to the middle of the day, a time of work and labor. The hymn appeals for strength in the hearts during these labors, reflecting on the Lord's own skilled craftsmanship, symbolized by the plane and the lathe. This symbolizes a wish for productivity and perseverance through faith.

The third verse, "Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace," is about the evening or the homing time. It is a request for the Lord’s love and kindness to be present as one returns home. This verse is symbolic of welcome and acceptance, suggesting a need for grace and kindness at the end of daily toils.

Finally, the last verse, "Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm," corresponds with night, the time of sleep. This verse seeks peace and tranquility from the Lord at the end of the day. It is a prayer for rest and contentment, highlighting the Lord's role as a source of calm and comfort.

Overall, the hymn portrays the desire for divine guidance and presence in every aspect of life, from the joy and hope of morning to the peace and calm of night. It is a comprehensive invocation for divine qualities to permeate the believer's life throughout the day and, by extension, their entire existence.