We Love Thy Sabbath, Lord

“We Love Thy Sabbath, Lord” is a reverent hymn celebrating the Sabbath as a divine gift of rest, worship, and fellowship with God. Written by Myrtle H. Dorland, the hymn has become closely associated with Seventh-day Adventist worship and appears in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Its language is simple and devotional, designed to express both love for God and gratitude for the sacredness of the Sabbath day.

The hymn emphasizes the Sabbath as a time set apart by God from creation. By recalling the biblical foundation of the seventh day, the text affirms that the Sabbath is not merely a human tradition, but a memorial of God’s creative and redemptive power. This grounding in Scripture gives the hymn both theological clarity and spiritual depth.

A central theme of the hymn is delight in the Sabbath rather than obligation. The Sabbath is portrayed as a joyful blessing, a day when believers draw closer to God through worship, reflection, and renewal. This perspective reflects the biblical teaching that the Sabbath was made for humanity’s good and is intended to restore both body and soul.

The hymn also highlights the Sabbath as a foretaste of eternal rest. By pointing beyond the present week to the future hope of God’s kingdom, the text connects Sabbath observance with eschatological promise. This aligns with the biblical understanding that God’s people look forward to a lasting rest that finds its fulfillment in Christ.

“We Love Thy Sabbath, Lord” remains treasured for its gentle devotion and strong biblical foundation. It continues to help worshipers express love for God’s holy day, encouraging faithful observance rooted in joy, gratitude, and hope.