Praise and Thanksgiving
Praise and thanksgiving let everyone bring
The hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on justification and sanctification through its call for all people to offer praise regardless of their station or circumstance, reflecting the doctrine of universal priesthood. It demonstrates the proper Christian response to God's gracious provision through grateful acknowledgment and practical stewardship.
History & Background
Written by English Baptist minister Albert Bayly in 1950, this hymn first appeared in various hymnal supplements and gained wider circulation through its inclusion in major Lutheran hymnals beginning in 1969 (LBW). The text emphasizes inclusive, congregational thanksgiving accessible to all believers regardless of circumstance.
Stanza 1 of this text was originally a traditional German round from the Alsace region (“Lobet und preiset”). Edith Lovell Thomas (b. Eastford, CT, 1878; d. Claremont, CA, 1970) translated the text and published it in her The Whole World Singing (1950). A graduate of Boston University and the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Thomas served as both educator and church musician. She taught music and worship at Boston University (1918-1932), directed church school music at Christ Church Methodist in New York City, and cofounded the Miss Thomas Preparatory School in Collingswood, Newjersey. Through much teaching 805 THE PSALMS, BIBLE SONGS, AND HYMNS and guest lecturing, she played an active role in promoting music and singing in church education. Her publications include several children’s hymnals: Singing Worship (1935), Sing, Children, Sing (1939), and The Whole World Singing (1950), and the text book Music in Christian Education (1953). Marie J. Post added two stanzas, and all three were then published in the Psalter Hymnal Supplement (1974). The first two stanzas call everyone to join in joyful song to praise God for his many blessings, “for every good thing.” The final stanza is a prayer for all of us to live a Christian life of love in the world.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 408
- Glory to God — 654
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 409
- Lutheran Service Book — 789
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 551
- Lutheran Worship — 403
- New Century Hymnal — 419
- Psalter Hymnal — 631
- Voices Together — 91
Liturgical Use
The entire hymn as a doxology at the close of worship; stanzas 1 and 2 as a call to worship, perhaps in unison, then concluding the service with stanza 3 in canon; as a hymn of praise for manyjoyful occasions.
Bulletin Note
Written by Albert Frederick Bayly in 1950, this hymn embodies the Protestant doctrine of the universal priesthood, calling all believers—regardless of rank or circumstance—to offer praise as fruit of God's justifying grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens proclamation of the Gospel by showing gratitude as the Spirit-wrought response to grace; it transforms passive reception into active, joyful obedience across all stations of life.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological praise progressing from incarnation to eschatological hope: addresses Christ's divine nature and work, calls creation to worship, affirms His redemptive advocacy, and culminates in eternal praise.
Themes
Gratitude and thanksgiving God's providential care Christian stewardship Joyful praise Universal offering