Give Thanks for Life

“Give Thanks for Life,” written by New Zealand hymn writer Shirley Erena Murray in 1986, is a modern hymn of gratitude that celebrates the gift of life and the blessings found in daily living. Rooted in the biblical command to “give thanks in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), the hymn calls believers to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness not only for moments of joy but also for the trials that refine and shape the soul.

Murray’s hymn departs from older thanksgiving songs that focus narrowly on material blessings. Instead, she broadens the horizon of gratitude to include the complexities of human experience—growth, struggle, and compassion. Each stanza builds a reflective and inclusive tone, giving thanks for friendship, memory, courage, and love. The hymn recognizes that life is both fragile and sacred, and that gratitude can transform even ordinary experiences into acts of worship.

Musically, “Give Thanks for Life” has been set to several contemporary tunes, often sung in congregations that value reflection and social awareness. Its accessible language and gentle rhythm make it suitable for occasions of remembrance, community gatherings, or thanksgiving services. The hymn speaks with quiet strength, reminding Christians that gratitude is not limited to good fortune but extends to all circumstances as part of God’s redemptive work.

Shirley Erena Murray’s distinctive gift as a hymn writer lies in her ability to blend poetic thought with modern relevance. “Give Thanks for Life” captures her compassionate theology, affirming that every human life is valuable, every moment is meaningful, and every breath is a reason to give thanks. Through its message of universal gratitude and faith, the hymn continues to encourage worshippers to live thankfully and lovingly in God’s world.

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