In 1864 Bishop William W. How wrote the words to this hymn that is so closely related to All Saints Sunday tomorrow. Bishop How was known because he chose to work in poor, not so prestigious congregations and was affectionately called “the children’s bishop,” “the poor man’s bishop,” and “the omnibus bishop,” the latter designation for his frequent travel among the people of his parish.” The hymn originally had 11 stanzas, possibly naming people we often don’t think about as saints. This simple presentation shares many of those verses. May it be a blessing for you as you prepare for tomorrow.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,
and let us run with perseverance
the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1
On the Way to Wonder 