CW 619 Praise the Almighty; My Soul, Adore Him
Great job! Well done! Way to go! These are common phrases we use to praise someone. When you praise someone, you are expressing approval or even admiration for something they have done.
The hymn we are considering this week is a hymn of praise. Not praise for people, but praise for God. The catechism speaks of this kind of praise this way: “To speak joyfully and admiringly about God’s goodness.” Not only does the author approve of and admire what God has done, but he does so joyfully. In fact, he ends each verse with the double “alleluia.” “Alleluia” comes originally from the Hebrew language and simply means “Praise the LORD.” That’s exactly what the author wants us to do when we read or sing this hymn.
Verse one: Praise the Almighty; my soul, adore him! Yes, I will laud him until death.
With songs and anthems I’ll come before him as long as he allows me breath.
From him my life and all things came; bless, O my soul, his holy name.
Alleluia, alleluia!
This hymn is not only found in the Christian Worship Hymnal but also in the Christian Worship Psalter, or book of psalms. That is because “Praise the Almighty; My Soul, Adore Him” is what is called a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 146. That simply means that it is a psalm that we sing like a hymn. Hymns can often help us understand what the Bible is saying by repeating its truths in a different way.
This first verse repeats the truth that Psalm 146:2 tells us: “I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will make music to my God as long as I exist.” We are to praise God all our lives because he has given us life and breath, and everything else.
Question: What are the different words for praise and ways for praising that the hymnwriter lists in verse one?
Verse two: Penitent sinners, for mercy crying, pardon and peace from him obtain;
ever the wants of the poor supplying, their faithful God he will remain.
He helps his children in distress, the widows and the fatherless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
We praise God because he does what he says he is going to do. That is especially comforting to us when our sins bother us. God is faithful in forgiving us, assuring us that we are pardoned from the punishment that comes as a result of sin. Instead, we have peace with him because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us.
God also does what he says he is going to do when his children – Christian people – are hurting in some way. He assures us of his love and he assures us of his presence.
Question: In what ways do you suffer? In what ways does God help you in this time of need?
Verse three: Trust not in princes, they are but mortal; earthborn they are and soon decay. Vain are their counsels at life’s last portal when the dark grave will claim its prey. Since, then, no one can help afford, trust only Christ, our God and Lord. Alleluia, alleluia!
Earthly rulers serve a purpose. In fact, God established government for our own good so that there is order in our world. Government is to protect the citizens it governs. However, government has a limited purpose and limited power. In fact, all those who serve in government are merely mortal. They too are frail human beings who will die one day.
But there is one in whom we can all put our trust: Christ! We trust in Jesus Christ because he is not only human, but he is also God. Christ Jesus lives and rules forever and he has the power to help us now and to keep us in his care forever.
Question: Why are we tempted to trust too much in government?
Verse four: Praise, all you people, the name so holy of him who does such wondrous things! All that has being, to praise him solely, with happy heart its amen sings! Children of God, with angel host praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Alleluia, alleluia!
Many hymns end in a similar way by praising our Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (or Spirit). Each of the three persons of the Trinity have their distinct roles and yet they work together perfectly for our salvation. In fact, they work so well together that “even the angels long to look carefully into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12)
There is a well-known choral piece called “All That Hath Life and Breath Praise Ye the Lord.” This verse is proclaiming that very truth. God is worthy of such praise. Let’s give it to him!
Question: This verse praises Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (or Spirit). What do each of them do?
At the end of a prayer, we speak an ‘Amen.’ Why do we do that? Because we are acknowledging what was said is true. That really is what praise is. When we sing or speak words of praise about God, we are acknowledging what we are saying about him is true. Alleluia! Let us praise the Lord! Amen.