Blessed Assurance
Written 1873 by Fanny Crosby. Music by Phoebe P. Knapp. Public domain.
Verse 1
GBlessed assurance, CJesus is Gmine
Oh what a Cforetaste of Gglory diD7vine
GHeir of salvation, Cpurchase of GGod
GBorn of His CSpirit, washed D7in His Gblood
Chorus
This is my Gstory, this is my Csong
GPraising my D7Savior all the Gday long
This is my Gstory, this is my Csong
GPraising my D7Savior all the Gday long
Verse 2
GPerfect submission, Cperfect deGlight
GVisions of Crapture now Gburst on my D7sight
GAngels descending, Cbring from aG7bove
GEchoes of Cmercy, whisD7pers of Glove
Verse 3
GPerfect submission, Call is at Grest
I in my CSavior am Ghappy and D7blest
GWatching and Cwaiting, Glooking aG7bove
GFilled with His Cgoodness, lost D7in His Glove
Playing Tips
🎸 Strum Pattern
This song has a gentle rolling feel, almost like a waltz. Instead of strumming hard, try a soft fingerpick: pluck the low string with your thumb, then brush the top strings with your fingers. This gives it a smooth, flowing sound that matches the peaceful message of the lyrics.
On the chorus "This is my story," you can switch to a light strum, but keep it gentle. This hymn should feel like a peaceful personal testimony, not an energetic rock song. Stay soft throughout.
🔊 Dynamics — Verse
Start quietly on verse 1. The words "Jesus is mine" are a personal declaration, so a soft, intimate sound works best. Let the congregation lean in and connect with the words before you open up.
"This is my story, this is my song" should feel joyful but still warm. On the final verse, pull back even more on "Filled with His goodness, lost in His love" and let the congregation finish it quietly together.
🎵 Band Direction
Piano suits this song perfectly since it was originally written for piano. If you have a pianist, let them lead the melody in the intro while guitar plays underneath softly. Bass should stay light and follow the natural bounce of the rhythm. Avoid heavy drumming on this one.
🎤 Vocal
Key of G works well for most voices. The highest note is on "foretaste of glory divine," so make sure your worship leader can comfortably reach it. Do not rush the tempo. 88 BPM gives the rolling feel enough room to breathe naturally.