Hymn 645, Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above is included in the THANKSGIVING section of the Glory to God Presbyterian Hymnal. The text, from 1675, harkens back to biblical images as the basis for our thankfulness. The hymnal editors note: “The regal divine imagery here will not be new to most singers, but some may not expect the third stanza’s image of God as mother. Yet it is part of God’s self-description in Isaiah 66:13.”
Sing praise to God Who reigns above, the God of all creation,
The God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.What God’s almighty power hath made His gracious mercy keepeth,
By morning glow or evening shade His watchful eye ne’er sleepeth;
Within the kingdom of His might, Lo! all is just and all is right:
To God all praise and glory.The Lord is never far away, but through all grief distressing,
An ever present help and stay, our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother’s tender hand, God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.Thus, all my toilsome way along, I sing aloud Thy praises,
That earth may hear the grateful song my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart, both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.
Prayer
God, I thank you for your powerful presence as well as your tender touch in my life. To you be all praise and glory. Amen.
