January Hymn: "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"

This hymn came from author and composer, Joachim Neander, who came to faith as a young man in the Lutheran church. In his short 30-year life journey, he was a tutor, teacher, and pastor. He is regarded as the first important German hymn-writer after the Reformation having written 60 hymns of which “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” is the most universally sung. It was a short time after its composition that he passed away from tuberculosis.

The text for this hymn is based on Psalm 103:1-6:
  "Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
  Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
  who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
  who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
  who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
  The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.”

The translator Catherine Winkworth who converted the lyrics into English in the 19th century ultimately made our singing of this great hymn of praise possible. The grateful words to this hymn bid us to remember the loving works God has ordained in our lives. Neander’s encouragement is always timely for we so often forget what God has done for us on the cross, and what He provides for us daily. We would do well to store up his reminders of provision and mercy in our hearts, and respond with genuine and unceasing praise!

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" (No. 77 in The Worshipping Church)

Verse 1

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near; join me in glad adoration!

Verse 2

Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things so wondrously reigneth,
shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e'er have been granted in what He ordaineth?

Verse 3

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee,
surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with His love He befriend thee.

Verse 4

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen sound from His people again: gladly forever adore Him.