Praise To The Lord The Almighty Lyrics
Tune Name: LOBE DEN HERREN
Composer: Stralsund Gesangbuch (1665)
Meter: 14.14.4.7.8
Hymnbook Source: German hymnals
- Verse 1
- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near,
join me in glad adoration. - Verse 2
- Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning;
sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining? - Verse 3
- 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,
if with his love he befriends you. - Verse 4
- 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.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Praise To The Lord The Almighty |
| Author / Lyricist | Joachim Neander (1650–1680) |
| Composer / Tune | Stralsund Gesangbuch (17th century) / Traditional German melody |
| Date Written / Published | 1680 |
| Historical Context | German hymn of praise; emphasizes God’s majesty and providence. |
| Theme / Message | Praise of God’s power, mercy, and sovereign rule. |
| Notable Features | Majestic, rhythmic melody; suitable for congregational singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Included in Lutheran, Methodist, and other Protestant hymnals; widely sung internationally. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
History of the Hymn
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” was written in 1680 by Joachim Neander, a German Reformed church leader. Originally titled Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren, it celebrated God’s majesty, providence, and protection. The hymn was later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863, retaining its devotional power. Sung to the chorale melody Lobe den Herren, it exhorts believers to rejoice, trust, and serve God. Its themes of omnipotence, mercy, and sovereignty have made it a staple in Protestant worship, frequently used in general services, Thanksgiving, and Advent, inspiring generations to lift heartfelt praise to the Almighty.
Biblical Scholars On The Theme of Praise
| Scholar (Institution / Work) | View on Praise of God |
|---|---|
| Augustine, Bishop of Hippo – Confessions | Praise is the natural response of the human heart to God’s glory. All human joy finds its ultimate fulfillment in exalting God. |
| Thomas Aquinas, University of Paris – Summa Theologica | Human beings praise God as a participation in divine order. Worship and adoration elevate the soul toward its ultimate end in God. |
| Martin Luther, Wittenberg University – The Freedom of a Christian | Praise arises from faith and recognition of God’s grace. Hymnody is a primary vehicle for expressing heartfelt worship. |
| John Calvin, Geneva Academy – Institutes of the Christian Religion | Praise flows from gratitude for God’s sovereignty and mercy. Worship is both public and private acknowledgment of God’s glory. |
| Jonathan Edwards, Princeton University – Religious Affections | True worship magnifies God’s glory rather than human emotions. Praise is the chief end of life and the evidence of spiritual awakening. |
| Charles Spurgeon, Metropolitan Tabernacle – Morning and Evening | Praise invigorates the believer’s soul and expresses joy in Christ. Worship through song and prayer draws hearts closer to God. |
| John Wesley, Oxford University – Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament | Hymns cultivate heartfelt devotion and communal praise. Worship is inseparable from practical holiness and service. |
| John Owen, University of Oxford – The Mortification of Sin | True praise arises from a heart transformed by God’s mercy. Worship is inseparable from sanctified living. |
| Richard Baxter, Kidderminster Parish – The Reformed Pastor | Praise sustains spiritual life through trials and tribulations. Worship glorifies God amid human weakness and suffering. |
| William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury – Worship | Praise unites intellect and emotion in glorifying God. True worship shapes both understanding and character. |
| B. B. Warfield, Princeton Theological Seminary – The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible | Praise reflects comprehension of God’s providence and grace. Worship is the human acknowledgment of divine sovereignty. |
| Origen, Catechetical School of Alexandria – On First Principles | Praise is the soul’s ascent to God, acknowledging His perfection. Worship aligns intellect, spirit, and moral life. |
| Tertullian, Carthage – Apology | Praise is testimony to God’s sovereignty and justice. Worship strengthens the Church in persecution and devotion. |
| John Knox, University of St. Andrews – The History of the Reformation in Scotland | Praise expresses gratitude and obedience to God’s covenant. Public worship unites the community in exalting Him. |
| Richard Hooker, Church of England – Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity | Praise glorifies God and shapes moral conduct. Worship integrates reason, scripture, and devotion. |
| George Whitefield, Oxford University – Sermons & Journals | Praise awakens hearts to God’s mercy and grace. Evangelical preaching emphasizes joyous response to God’s work. |
| Matthew Henry, Nonconformist Minister – Commentary on the Whole Bible | Praise arises from understanding God’s deeds in Scripture. Worship fosters personal devotion and moral instruction. |
| John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople – Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew | Praise is a conduit for spiritual transformation. Worship trains believers in virtue and reverence. |
| Jonathan Edwards Sr., Colonial America – A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God | Praise validates God’s work in revivals. Worship produces lasting spiritual change in communities. |
| Isaac Watts, Dissenting Minister, London – Hymns and Spiritual Songs | Praise through song teaches theology and fosters devotion. Hymnody expresses the believer’s love and gratitude to God. |
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Prayer: Praise to You, O Lord, The Almighty and The King of kings and Lord of lords. Thank You King of glory for making a spoil of the devil and redeeming Your People unto Yourself. Let the knowledge of the glory of God cover the earth, King of glory, as the waters cover the sea. Glorify Yourself in the Church, The Body of Christ, I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
