Praise the Lord Ye Heavens Adore Him
Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore Him
The hymn emphasizes the universal scope of praise, joining heavenly and earthly creation in adoration of God's attributes. It reflects Lutheran confidence in the goodness of creation and God's sovereign rule over all things.
History & Background
This hymn appeared in the Foundling Hospital Collection of Psalms and Hymns (London, 1796), compiled for children at the Foundling Hospital. The text is anonymous but has long been attributed to the hymn tradition of that institution and became widely adopted in English-speaking churches.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 38
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 549
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 540
- Lutheran Worship — 462
Bulletin Note
From the Foundling Hospital Collection (1796), this hymn reflects the English hymn-writing tradition's confidence that all creation declares God's glory. Its tune, Hyfrydol, is a Welsh melody that carries the text with gentle majesty.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's vision of universal praise—heaven and earth united in adoration—beautifully complements Gospel proclamation of God's gracious sovereignty, inviting the redeemed community to participate joyfully in what is already true.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Praise and adoration Creation and God's majesty Heavenly and earthly worship Joy in God's splendor