Praise Be to the Lord
Praise be to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
The hymn embodies the Lutheran emphasis on God's sovereignty, providence, and the believer's grateful response through praise as central to worship and spiritual life. It reflects Reformed-Lutheran ecumenical hymnody while maintaining biblical thematic content compatible with confessional Lutheran theology.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Lobe den Herren' by Reformed pastor Joachim Neander around 1680, likely for use in his congregation's worship. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in 1863 in her collection 'Chorale Book for England,' becoming the standard English version for Lutheran and Protestant hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 26
- Chalice Hymnal — 25
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 858
- Glory to God — 35
- The Hymnal 1982 — 390
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 543
- Lutheran Service Book — 809
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 579
- Lutheran Worship — 65
- New Century Hymnal — 22
- Trinity Hymnal — 253
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 24
- United Methodist Hymnal — 139
- Voices Together — 97
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written in 1680 by Joachim Neander, a Reformed hymnist whose theology deeply influenced Lutheran tradition. This enduring masterpiece embodies the Reformation's conviction that all creation glorifies God through joyful praise and grateful obedience.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's proclamation of God's joyful sovereignty and providential grace offers a powerful Gospel response to any sermon addressing human anxiety, doubt, or fear of the future.
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 Divine sovereignty Providence Gratitude Creation