Many and Great O God Are Your Works
Many and great O God are thy things maker of earth and sky
A creation hymn from the Dakota tradition, celebrating the greatness of God's works in creation and expressing trust in God's care. The spare, reverent text reflects the Native American relationship with the natural world.
History & Background
Originally a Dakota hymn Wakantanka taku nitawa by Joseph Renville (1779-1846), a Dakota-French fur trader and lay leader. Translated into English by Philip Frazier (1892-1964) in 1929. One of the earliest Native American contributions to Christian hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 837
- Gather 4th Edition — 1024
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 794
Bulletin Note
Many and Great O God — Joseph Renville, 1846; tr. Frazier, 1929
Preaching Connection
Psalm 104 and Job 38 — the greatness of God in creation; appropriate for creation themes.
Themes
Creation Native American World Music God's Greatness