I Then Shall Live
September 29, 2007What a powerful song! But More, a powerful way to live.
Here are the words if you would like to sing along:
I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven;
Ill walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child, and I am not afraid.
So greatly pardoned, Ill forgive another;
The law of love I gladly will obey.
I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion;
I’ve been so loved that Ill risk loving, too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then Ill be there to care and follow through.
Your kingdom come around and through and in me,
Your power and glory, let them shine thru me.
Your Hallowed Name O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world thru me.
Rabboni...which is to say, Master 
Over the years, Gloria Gaither has penned many poems that have touched me. However, the words to “I Then Shall Live” FAR surpass anything that she has EVER (and I dare say EVER WILL) written. Thank you, Gloria, for letting letting Christ work through you!
this is the most beautiful song i’ve ever heard. the words are so powerful and meaningful, it almost makes my heart explode! what a wonderful thing to be so blessed as to be able to write such lyrics! thank you and God Bless.
Wes, I could not agree more. Thanks for sharing.
Again Gloria has given us a poem from the heart. A musical expression of worship that draws one nearer to God Great Heart of Love. God Bless you Gloria, in the knowledge that you too are an instrument in his hand creating “music” not in notes and scores, but in emotions and commitments! DHGreer
Your song I Then Shall Live speaks to me in more ways than I can find words to explain. It will be my prayer until God’s gives me a new one. Thank you so much for writing this song. L Shea
This is one of the most beautiful, touching, songs I have ever heard. It has caused me to examine my own life over and over. Each time I hear it, it brings a new reality to what it really means to “be” a Christian. Thanks Gloria for your love and dedication in God’s service.
L. Shea, I know you mean for these words to be directed to Gloria. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Wow! I just heard this song on the Gaither Together DVD.
What a powerful song. I want to buy the music so our church choir can share this with our congregation. Thank-you so much for sharing this! God bless you.
I’ve been listening to this for a week–the GVB like others. The melody is familiar. It is my college alma mater’s melody. But the words are so powerfully prayerful. I think I will use it for Lent. Ash Wednesday is next week. Thank-you Gloria.
I loved the song, “I Then Shall Live”. This is the first song I have ever looked up on the internet. I had to know the lyrics. Thanks so much.
Your welcome Linda. Stop by anytime.
Today is Pentecost, but not only today the holy spirit inspired Gloria Gaither for praising GOD.
Thank you so much, the Gaithers and associated vocal bands, for sharing music (and words), love, happiness and faith.
The entire world should really know you.
GOD bless you all !
Serge, Paris
I am 55 and very tough I just had both knees replaced. But the words and singing blue tears out of my eyes.. I love the lord.
WOW! I am truly, truly blessed! This is June 3, 2008. Last night my husband came into the living room in tears after hearing this song on the Gospel Music Channel (they were playing the Amazing Grace Gaither video). I was able to hear a little bit of it, last night, but our TV was acting up, so I missed a great part of it. Thank God, it was repeated this morning, and I was able to hear the Vocal Band and Signature singers do it! Gloria has indeed been overpowered by the presence of God as she wrote these fabulous words! The tune is truly classic, too! It’s in the Celebration Hymnal, page 604, if you want the words and music, too.
Thanks for your thoughts Dwan. It truly is a special song.
Thanks so much for the words, I’ve just heard the song on Daystar. I’ve been so tuched by the words. I just bought the song on iTunes. Gottes Segen! Anne, Black Forest
Danke sehr for stopping by Anne.
I am caring for my 87 year old grandmother who is suffering from many elderly ilnesses and the early stages of demencia. Even though she is loved and cared for, few things bring her great joy anymore. However, each day she asks to see the Gaithers. I tape the Gaither Homecoming on cable and she watches the same shows over and over again. One night “I then Shall Live” came on. She started crying and begged me to play it over and over and over! She said it made her feel close to god. I wa so scared that the cable would go out and I would lose the song so I bought a DVD with it on there. We watch it daily and it brings such joy to the whole family.
THANK YOU Gloria and all the others who make that song REAL for everyone and bring us al closer to god!
i then shall live is the most beautiful song i have ever heard.
The first time I heard this song ( a few weeks ago ) on The Gaithers Homecoming Television program, it revived my soul ! Thank you Gloria Gaither ! You are so precious..I love you…….I love you too Bill.
I was unable to go to church this morning, so sat at home and listened to the Gaither Homecoming Hour. What a blessing! This song especially ministered more of the truth of God to me, even before I got into the Word. Thank you, Gloria. You’ve always inspired me to be a better wife, mother, believer.
Very astounding lyrics! The music was adapted from the classic hymn “Be Still My Soul” which is found in almost every hymnal book we have. However, the lyics which only I realize Gloria Gaither herself penned, is insofar the noblest way to live the Spirit-filled, Christian life of love and grace.
Blessings from Jed of Christ Baptist Church, Baybay, Leyte, Philippines.
Thanks for you comments Jed. I believe this song will become a standard for many years to come.
Just completed a Christmas Concert with 50 fourth and fifth graders singing I Then Shall Live, having memorized all three verses. It was the heart of the concert and they did an awesome job. Those words of faith affirmations are now imprinted on their hearts and they will often share with me their favorite phrase, such as “I am His child and I am not afraid”. Our computer specialist provided a slide presentation with a picture for each statement. I believe many were touched and encouraged. Thank you for such a powerful, faith filled song for such a time as this.
Jane Wojta December 24, 2008
There are not enough words to express how I feel about this song, so beautifully penned by Gloria. It is truly God-given! Thank you, GLoria and thank you, God.
January 13, 2009
The combination of the beautiful melody and stirring lyrics lifts the spirit and gives hope that we can serve the Lord despite our human struggles. We are forgiven. Well done Gloria. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful gift.
I heard this on the Amazing Grace Gaither Hour and just had to find the lyrics. What a powerful song.
Having grown up in rural Alabama and attending all night singings on Saturday nights, and monthly Sunday night singings at local churchs in the early 60’s, with the likes of the Speers Family, and the Happy Goodmans, Gospel music is imbedded in my Soul. I am a great lover of the Gaither Productions. They have carried me thru many tuff times. I cannot imagine life without the gospel sounds. I cannot imagine a better song ever being written as what Gloria has written. I am well into my middle age now and these song knocks me off my feet every time I hear them sing it. This web site is the first that popped up when I was looking for the lyrics. I will be singing it daily for myself and to God. Thank you so much!!!
We always listen to the Amazing Grace Gaither Hour on Saturday night. As others have said, there aren’t enough words to describe what this song does for me! It is so powerful. It touches my soul everytime I listen to it. I know in my heart that God gave these words to Gloria straight from his lips. They were given to Gloria because she was listening. Thank you Gloria for listening. I know this song will get me through tough times ahead. God has blessed you Gloria with this talent and you use it to His Glory. Thank You!
Powerful – Magnificent – Superb – fail in their defining ability to illustrate the range and depth of this almighty music. Words adequate, have not yet been invented. How can one find for something as profound as this prayerful rendition. Tears only. Of joy.
As a child in 7th and 8th grade, we sang a song, “Finlandia”. In the years since, I have heard the same tune but with many different titles and words. I must saya beautiful melody now has the most beautiful words. We are truly blessed to have such as the Gaithers giving us God’s Wrord.
NOTHING, NO WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THE WAY I FELT WHEN I HEARD THIS RENDITION AND SAW THE WORDS, THANK YOU GOD! AND I BELIEVE GLORIA PENNED THE WORDS WE ALL WISH WE COULD EXPRESS ABOUT OUR CHRISTIAN WALK AND OUR LOVE FOR OUR LORD, THANK YOU.
I am a “senior citizen”. I love gospel music beyond measure. This song by Gloria has embeded its message in me. If this song dosen’t light your fire, I think your wood is a bit damp. These Lyrics shall be my DAILY prayer, until my wonderful Savior says, “Come on Home”.
JoshK
I’m a senior citizen who have been very blessed with great Christian parents. They’ve gone to their rewards but I will see them again. 25 years ago, my
16 year old son died in an accident. The Gaither song “Because He Lives” helped me to get through a funeral. A parent should never have to bury their child. I am facing some very serious martial problems right now. Sleep has been very stressed. I bought the GVB & SSQ together CD and heard this song “I then shall live” It has blessed me emensley.
Thanks Gloria and Thank you MY Lord.
wpaulhartley@sbcglobal.net
I’ve never in all my life cried so hard or ever so resonated personally with every line in any song like… I THEN SHALL LIVE. It makes me feel like I could do anything for God he would ever ask me to do…the emotions that well up inside cannot be contained and are released in never ending tears of honor and joy to know our Savior and His Father and to know of their love and now mine in return.
Truly Gloria Gaither is a daughter of God one in tune with his will and life. Thank you Humbly for living a life worthy to create these words!
I just finished reading everyone’s comments above and was overjoyed to learn that I’m not the only one on planet Earth that thinks “I Then Shall Live” is the most powerful combination of melody and lyrics in any song ever written for all of time and eternity!
I’ve shared this tune with many friends and family members but so far, nobody has responded. This is THE song I want sung at my memorial service!
What an experience tonight. I stumbled on the Gaither Gospel Hour at 10:48 PM and heard this song that entered my soul. I was spellbound and then the show ended as it played. I sat there and tried to figure out what the name of it was so I could look it up.
I went down to my computer and searched the web and Youtube for over an hour. I was obsessed like Richard Dreyfuss in Close Encounters building his mountain. And then I found it. I was able to copy it off Youtube and I’m still playing it as I write this note.
This is truly one of the most powerful, fulfilling songs I have heard in my 60 year lifetime. I only wish I had the power to have everyone Christian or otherwise hear this moving song.
I’d like to start a movement and ask anyone who hears this great song to pass on the Youtube link to as many people as possible so the world can appreciate it and maybe begin living it………
I heard this first on TV on one of the Gaither programs. Now someone sent this to me and I was able to get the words. I would love to have the music, at least the words, melody and chords. We are retired ministers but I still like to sit at the keyboard and play. I love this beautiful song, it ministers to all who hear it. How can I get the music for this?
This song really blesses me, thank you Gloria for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, it has a real anointing on it. How can I get the music, at least the melody and chords? We are retired ministers but still like to play the keyboard.
I am without words! Can just say: AMEN! This prayer will also be my prayer!
There are not enough words to express what this song does for me! I am 74 years old and have been playing gospel music since about nine years old and nothing, NOTHING has ever reached me like this song! Thank you, Gloria and thank you , God for sending the music through GLoria Gaither.
Our 450-voice choir at Prestonwood Baptist Church sings this arrangement and talk about powerful! So very inspiring.
Like so many of the comments say… Then I Shall Live has touched my heart and life. It caused me to rededicate myself to love and sharing God’s love. I am trying to locate 2 relatives that have been out of touch for at least 14 years… want to tear down walls built with fear and commit to rebuilding relationships. on and on
Gloria.. such a buillant/lovely lady..thank you so much.
Speechless !!
As this song / prayer is quite a few years old now, why is it that I tear up EVERY time I hear it?
Praise the lord.
The words are profound. . . the music and harmony is . . . well it speaks to me greatly.
One can only pray that we all strive to reach this.
Blessings,
M.
Thank you for sharing.
This is such a beautiful song… I have been meditating on it all day. Thanks much.
Blessings,
ann
This song is the most wonderful lifting GOD up . It could not have been sung any better. Thank You all, yall made my day. LOVE TO ALL.
I hope others are still viewing this beautiful song. Sad to see the last post was in 2015. Watching them as a group singing this is a true sign that mankind can come together as one without hate, prejudice or envy towards others. Maybe this song should be adopted as the worlds national anthem to unite us all as it was meant to be.
Another great version of this song by the Prestonwood Choir that will bring chills to you when you listen is on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v5xGPbTCyA
Lets hope everyone has a chance to experience this great song with an open mind and heart. It may just stop them from going over the edge. 2017 has been a very bad year for the human race. Lets hope 2018 brings more of us together than dividing us.