Now Let All Loudly Sing Praise
Now let all loudly sing praise
Now Let All Loudly Sing Praise is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1602) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW93 258, lw 3, tlh 28. Sung to LOBE DEN HERREN.
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on the sovereignty and omnipotence of God as Creator and sustainer, drawing from 1 Chronicles 29:11. It expresses the theological conviction that all praise and dominion belong to God alone, reflecting Reformed Lutheran understanding of God's transcendence.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren' was published in 1602 as part of German Lutheran hymnody. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1863 collection and became standard in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship — 258
- Lutheran Worship — 3
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 28
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1602, this hymn draws from 1 Chronicles 29:11 and exemplifies the Lutheran conviction that all majesty and dominion belong to God alone, making it a Reformation staple for celebrating divine transcendence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel proclamation of God's absolute sovereignty by transforming it from doctrine into doxology—moving hearers from confession of God's power to joyful participation in cosmic praise.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (divine majesty and power) → Gospel (providence, mercy, sustenance) → Gospel (daily goodness) → Gospel (communal adoration and response)
Overview
Matthäus Apelles von Löwenstern, a Silesian statesman, musician and poet, wrote this hymn of praise in a classical Sapphic-style meter with his own melody. It calls all Christendom to praise God with one voice, since he gently bids us come (st. 1); he reigns over and sustains the universe while angels and instruments praise him (st. 2); the nations are invited to lay aside grief, for where his Word sounds there is 'pardon for sinners and grace unbounded' (st. 3); he feeds and leads with a father's care, sending rains in season (st. 4); and so we rejoice — no enemy can harm us (st. 5).
Central theme: Universal praise to the merciful God who reigns, provides, and offers pardon to all nations through his Word
Structure
Five six-line stanzas (5.6.5.6.9.10, the NUN PREISET ALLE meter). Call (1) — his reign (2) — the nations invited (3) — fatherly care (4) — confidence (5).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel: 'pardon for sinners and grace unbounded' where the Word is sounded (3); 'who can harm us?' (5).
Confessional Connections
Grace offered to the nations 'where His blest Word abroad is sounded' — God's grace comes through the preached Word (AC V; Rom 10:17), and it is for all (FC XI.28). The Ruler of the universe is a Father who 'gently bids' — the First and Second Articles together. 'Who can harm us?' (Rom 8:31).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
General praise; Thanksgiving; missions; Epiphany.
Historical Notes
Löwenstern (1594-1648) served as a counselor to Silesian princes and the Emperor; he published his hymns with his own melodies in 1644.
About the Tune
NUN PREISET ALLE (Matthäus A. von Löwenstern, 1644).
Scripture References
1 Chron 29:11-12 Ps 117 Matt 11:28 Ps 95:1-6 Ps 93:1 Heb 1:3 Ps 150:3 Isa 45:22 John 14:2 Rom 10:17 Isa 55:1-7 Ps 23:1-3 Deut 11:14 Jas 5:7 Ps 103:13 Rom 8:31 Ps 118:6
Stanza by Stanza
Now let everyone sing praise loudly to God the Lord; Christendom, praise him proudly with one voice. He gently invites you to come before him; hurry then, Israel, and worship him now.
1 Chron 29:11 (TLH's text): 'Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power.' 'Praise the LORD, all nations' (Ps 117). 'Come to me' (Matt 11:28) — 'gently He bids.' 'Israel' — the Church, the new Israel (Gal 6:16).
- Scripture
- 1 Chron 29:11-12, Ps 117, Matt 11:28, Ps 95:6
- Imagery & language
- Loud praise; one accord; gentle bidding.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — invitation to worship.
- Connection to previous
- Call.
For the Lord reigns over the universe and sustains everything; all things repeat his praise; the angel host tells his glory and psalter and harp swell the anthem.
'The LORD reigns' (Ps 93:1). Christ 'upholds the universe by the word of his power' (Heb 1:3). Instruments in praise (Ps 150:3).
- Scripture
- Ps 93:1, Heb 1:3, Ps 148:2, Ps 150:3
- Imagery & language
- Reigning Lord; angels; harp.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God's sovereign care.
- Connection to previous
- His reign.
Come, nations, lay aside all grief and care, for your Savior is preparing pleasant places where his blessed Word is sounded abroad — pardon for sinners and limitless grace.
'Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth' (Isa 45:22). The Word 'sounded abroad' (Rom 10:17-18). Isa 55:7: 'he will abundantly pardon.' The 'pleasant places' (Ps 16:6) are where the Gospel is preached — the Church.
- Scripture
- Isa 45:22, Rom 10:17-18, Isa 55:1-7, Ps 16:6
- Imagery & language
- Nations invited; Word sounded; pardon.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — pardon for all.
- Connection to previous
- The nations.
He feeds us richly always and everywhere; he leads us gently with a true father's care; he sends us the early and late rains; his blessing and love go with us every day.
'The early rain and the later rain' (Deut 11:14; Jas 5:7). 'As a father shows compassion' (Ps 103:13). SC First Article: daily provision.
- Scripture
- Ps 23:1-3, Deut 11:14, Jas 5:7, Ps 103:13
- Imagery & language
- Feeding; leading; rains.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — fatherly provision.
- Connection to previous
- Provision.
Let us sing the praises of the one who is so merciful; Christendom raises songs to his glorious rule. Rejoice! No enemy will frighten us now; he will protect us — and who can harm us?
'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Rom 8:31). 'The LORD is on my side; I will not fear' (Ps 118:6).
- Scripture
- Rom 8:31, Ps 118:6, Ps 27:1
- Imagery & language
- Merciful God; no foe.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — confidence.
- Connection to previous
- Confidence.
Themes
Praise and adoration God's sovereignty and majesty Divine kingdom and power All creation's response