Sing Praise to God, the Highest Good
Sing praise to God, the highest good
The hymn celebrates God's sovereignty and providential care, central to Lutheran understanding of divine omnipotence and human trust. It expresses the assurance of salvation through God's grace and faithfulness, reflecting the Reformation emphasis on reliance upon God alone.
History & Background
Written by Johann Jakob Schütz, a German mystic, in 1675, the hymn was published in his collection Geistreiche Gesänge. Frances Elizabeth Cox translated it into English in 1864, making it widely available to English-speaking Protestant congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 871
- Glory to God — 634
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 542
- Lutheran Service Book — 819
- Lutheran Worship — 452
- New Century Hymnal — 6
- Trinity Hymnal — 74
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 19
- Voices Together — 95
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Johann Jakob Schütz in 1675, this hymn crystallizes Lutheran confidence in God's providence. Its tune, Mit Freuden Zart, carries the joy of the Reformation's rediscovery of grace alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the movement from Law to Gospel: acknowledging our dependence and need, then proclaiming the assurance of God's gracious providence—inviting the congregation to rest in what the sermon declares about divine omnipotence and mercy.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Ascription of praise to God's sovereign power and love, followed by personal testimony of healing and sanctification, culminating in lifelong grateful service
Themes
Divine providence and protection Gratitude and praise God's faithfulness Confidence in God's care Doxology