O Worship the King

A majestic paraphrase of Psalm 104 celebrating the kingship, power, and tenderness of God. The hymn moves from the cosmic majesty of God (whose robe is the light, whose canopy space) to the tender care of God for his frail creatures. An excellent balance of transcendence and immanence.

History & Background

Written by Robert Grant (1779-1838), a member of the British Parliament and later Governor of Bombay, based on Psalm 104 and a paraphrase by William Kethe (1561). Published in Edward Bickersteth's Christian Psalmody (1833).

Hymnal Appearances

• Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 842
• Lutheran Book of Worship — 548
• Lutheran Service Book — 804
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 36

Bulletin Note

O Worship the King — Robert Grant, 1833

Preaching Connection

Psalm 104 — the majesty and tender care of God the Creator and King.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From divine majesty and power (Law) through cosmic sustenance (Gospel) to humble human response in worship

Themes

God's Majesty Creation Praise Kingship of God

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "O Worship the King" ↗
• Search IMSLP for public-domain scores of "LYONS" ↗