HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS
Suggested topics: Creation, God's Love
Suggested occasions: n/a Lyrics: (version of Nina Simone)
He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the fish of the sea in His hands He's got the birds of the air in His hands He's got the fish of the sea in His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the gamblin' man in His hands He's got the sinner man in His hands He's got the gamblin' man in His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got the little bitsy baby in His hands He's got the little bitsy baby in His hands He's got the little bitsy baby in His hands He's got the whole world in His hands He's got everybody here in His hands He's got you and me, brother, in His hands He's got everybody here in His hands He's got the whole world... He's got the whole world in His hands |
Text/Music: traditional
History:
Summary: The American spiritual “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” is one of the best known songs of all time, sung in churches, schools, and camps throughout the country. Who created the first version of the folk song is unknown and most citations simply credit “various” authors, acknowledging the history of spirituals as songs that have been passed orally from person to person and generation to generation. . . .The inspirational content of spirituals was crucial to the slaves who created them. Simple rhythms and repetitive phrasing made them easy to memorize, sing, and pass along. The term spiritual is derived from spiritual song – a song of faith that finds its roots in Ephesians 5:18-20 – “But be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This American spiritual was first published in 1927 and has been sung and recorded through the years by a number of choirs as well as pop musicians. Theological Conversation Partners: Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” This spiritual celebrates this declaration in ALL CAPS! As God’s creation, we are connected one with another through all of time and space. As children of God, we are created to be in relationship with our Creator AND with each other. . . .As a family of faith, we often have the privilege to reach out to those beyond our biological families in ways that show appreciation for the beautiful creatures we all are. By expanding our view to include God’s whole world we open ourselves to full acceptance of others and open relationships that can bring richness into our lives in ways we can only imagine. --from https://storypath.upsem.edu/hes-got-the-whole-world-in-his-hands/ |