Sing Praise to Our Creator
Sing praise to our Creator
The hymn reflects Lutheran theology's affirmation of creation as good and God's ongoing sustenance of all things. It connects Reformation emphasis on God's glory in all creation with modern ecological stewardship concerns.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this contemporary hymn celebrates God's creative work and human responsibility as stewards. It was included in Christian Worship (1993) and represents modern Lutheran hymnody emphasizing creation care.
This post-exilic hymn may have been composed for the Levitical Scripture References choir when Nehemiah dedicated the rebuilt walls ofJerusalem st. 1 = w. 1-3 (v. 2; see Neh. 12:27-43). The psalmist sings the greatness and st. 2 = w 4-7 goodness of God—the Creator, Provider, and benevolent Ruler of st. 3 =w. 8-11 creation, the Redeemer and faithful Keeper of his chosen people. st. 4=w. 12-18 For each aspect of God’s work the psalmist cites a number of st. 5 =w. 19-20,1 specific illustrations. As Creator (st. 1), God numbers the stars (st. 2) and governs the orderly cycle of the seasons (st. 4). As Provider, God sends rain on the earth so that all creatures have food (st. 3). As benevolent Ruler, the LORD heals the brokenhearted and raises up the lowly but casts down the arrogant and the wicked (st. 2-3). As Israel’s Redeemer and Keeper, God gathers the exiles; rebuilds Jerusalem (v. 2; st. 1) and strengthens its defenses (v. 13); gives peace along its borders and abundant crops in the fields (v. 14; st. 4); and reveals to the people the Lord’s laws and decrees (st. 5). Marie J. Post versified this psalm in 1985 for the Psalter Hymnal. Another setting of Psalm 147 is at 187.
Hymnal Appearances
- Psalter Hymnal — 147
Liturgical Use
Especially appropriate for services focusing on God’s providence; many other uses in Christian worship.
Bulletin Note
Jaroslav Vajda (1919–2008), a Lutheran hymnwriter and editor, composed this text in 1980 to recover the Reformation's vision of creation's goodness while addressing modern environmental concerns with theological depth.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms ecological stewardship from duty into Gospel joy—a hymnic response to God's free and sustaining grace that frees us from fear to live as responsible caretakers of God's good creation.
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
Creation praise Divine providence Stewardship God's wisdom