About the Hymn

Written by Jan Struther (1901–1953) and first published in 1931, Lord Of All Hopefulness is a simple four-stanza prayer that traces the day from morning to night. It is commonly paired with the Irish folk melody Slane — also used for “Be Thou My Vision” — whose flowing contour and strong metre help the text’s plain, direct petitions to be sung clearly by congregations.

Beloved at weddings, school services, and funerals, the hymn asks the Lord to shape the rhythms of ordinary life with His joy, peace, and love. Its steady confidence reminds worshippers that He watches over the work of our hands and the rest of our nights, making this a gentle yet enduring prayer for God’s blessing through every part of the day.