We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God
We praise you and acknowledge you, O God
The hymn reflects Lutheran emphasis on the universal priesthood and congregational participation in heavenly worship, connecting earthly believers with the communion of saints. It embodies the Reformation's recovery of the Gloria in excelsis Deo as a congregational response of praise, central to Lutheran worship renewal.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr' by Nicolai Decius in 1525 during the Reformation. This English translation by Gracia Grindal was first published in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 380
- Glory to God — 612
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 534
- Lutheran Service Book — 941
- Lutheran Worship — 167
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 237
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Decius (1525) restored the Gloria in excelsis to German congregations as a hymn of lay praise, embodying the Reformation conviction that all believers voice the Church's thanksgiving.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the proclamation of grace into congregational doxology, showing how the Gospel moves from God's merciful work toward our joyful, confident participation in eternal praise.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Cosmic proclamation of Christ's birth moves from heavenly announcement (angels) through earthly witnesses (shepherds, sages) to eschatological hope (saints awaiting return), culminating in universal call to worship
Themes
Praise and adoration of the Trinity Heavenly worship God's majesty and glory Confession and thanksgiving