That’s what makes it powerful. It’s easy to say God is good when things are going well. It’s a statement of faith to say it “all the time,” including when you don’t feel it. The call and response has spread far beyond the Black church, into Catholic parishes, youth groups and family dinners.
Historical Context
God Is Good (Call and Response)
Leader: God is good!
All: All the time!
Leader: And all the time…
All: God is good!
A God Is Good Prayer
Lord, you are good.
Good when I wake up and good when I go to sleep.
Good when the news is good and good when it isn’t.
I don’t always feel it, but I believe it.
Thank you for your goodness to me,
and help me be good to others.
Amen.
When It’s Hard to Say
Lord, I’m saying it through tears today:
you are good.
Help me hold on to that.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At the start of a church service or meeting.
- Before meals with family.
- In a hard season, as an act of faith.
- At celebrations, to give God the credit.
Scripture Connection
“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” — Nahum 1:7
Nahum puts God’s goodness and “the day of trouble” in the same sentence. That’s the whole point of “all the time.”
Related prayers
For the children’s mealtime grace, see God Is Great, God Is Good. For the Black church tradition, the Black Family Prayer and Balm of Gilead Prayer.