Tuesday, July 24, 2007

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty"

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear
Now to His temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things is wondrously reigning
And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen
All that is needful has been
Sent by His gracious ordaining?

Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully, wondrously made you,
Health has bestowed and, when heedlessly falling, has stayed you.
What need or grief
Ever has failed of relief?
Wings of His mercy did shade you.

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew
What the Almighty can do
As with His love He befriends you.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the Amen
Sound from His people again;
Gladly forever adore Him!

Text: Joachim Neander; tr. Catherine Winkworth
Tune: Ander Theil Des Erneuerten Gesang-Buchs, Stralsund

Though there are many hymns I love, this is my favorite hymn. It speaks so clearly of the God we have--Who is our health and salvation, Who reigns over all things and sustains all things, Who defends us and daily attends us with His love and mercy. Awesome! V. 4 is my favorite verse.

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