Praise and Thanksgiving Be to God Our Maker
Praise and thanksgiving be to God our Maker
The hymn emphasizes the Law's accusation of human unworthiness while directing praise toward God's creative work and sustaining providence. It reflects Lutheran theology's integration of natural revelation and the proper response of gratitude toward the Creator.
History & Background
This hymn appears in Lutheran hymnals as a text of unknown authorship, likely derived from German hymnic traditions. It was included in LBW (1978) as hymn 191 for general liturgical use.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 191
Bulletin Note
An 1800 hymn of unknown authorship, sung to 'Lobe den Herren,' a German chorale celebrating creation and providence. The text weaves natural revelation with gratitude, reflecting Lutheran confidence in God's revealed goodness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn perfectly frames the movement from Law to Gospel: human unworthiness exposed, then swallowed up in the wonder of God's sustaining love—a pattern that echoes the heart of Lutheran proclamation.
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)
Themes
Praise and adoration God as Creator Divine providence Gratitude Stewardship