Lord, Bless Thy Word to Every Heart

“Lord, Bless Thy Word to Every Heart” is a reverent and prayerful hymn by Pearl Waggoner Howard that centers on the power and necessity of God’s Word in the life of the believer. The hymn is written as a direct petition to God, asking that the Scriptures, when read or preached, would not remain mere words but would accomplish their divine purpose in every listener.

The hymn emphasizes the living and active nature of God’s Word. Drawing on biblical teaching, it affirms that Scripture is able to instruct, correct, comfort, and transform the heart. The request that God would bless His Word acknowledges human limitation and spiritual need. Understanding and spiritual growth are presented not as products of intellect alone but as gifts of divine grace working through the Holy Spirit.

A strong theme in the hymn is receptivity. The singer prays not only that the Word would be spoken clearly but that hearts would be open and responsive. This reflects the biblical truth that God’s Word bears fruit when it is received with humility and faith. The hymn therefore serves as both a prayer for effective ministry and a call to attentive listening and obedience.

The communal dimension of worship is also evident. By praying that God’s Word would reach every heart, the hymn unites the congregation in a shared desire for spiritual renewal and growth. It is especially fitting for use before or after the reading and preaching of Scripture, reinforcing the central place of the Word in Christian worship.

“Lord, Bless Thy Word to Every Heart” continues to be valued for its simplicity, sincerity, and strong biblical focus. Its message reminds believers that God’s Word is a vital means of grace and that true blessing comes when the Scriptures are empowered by God and received by hearts ready to hear and obey.