We Sing the Almighty Power of God
We sing the almighty power of God
The hymn expresses Lutheran understanding of God as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all things, reflecting the doctrine of divine providence central to Lutheran theology. Its affirmation of God's power evident in creation aligns with Luther's emphasis on recognizing God's work in the natural world.
History & Background
Isaac Watts composed this hymn for children, first published in his 'Divine Songs Attempted in Easy Language for the Use of Children' (1715). It became one of the most popular hymns for celebrating God's creative power and providential care.
Written by Isaac Watts , this eight-stanza text originally Scripture References began “I sing the almighty power of God.” The text was published all st. = Gen. 1 Job 26 in Divine and Moral Songs for the Use of Children (1715; the first Ps. 104 hymnal intended primarily for children) with the heading “Praise for Creation and Providence.” The Psalter Hymnal omits the original stanzas 7 and 8 and combines the other six original stanzas into three long ones. Although it was written for children, this is also a great hymn for adults. The text presents a wonderful view of God’s creation sketched in vivid pictorial language. The creation around us is a beautiful panorama that testifies to its Creator, whose power and wisdom (st. 1), goodness and wonders (st. 2), and providence and omnipresence (st. 3) we confess with awe and praise.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 815
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 543
- Lutheran Service Book — 834
- Lutheran Worship — 441
- New Century Hymnal — 12
- Psalter Hymnal — 430
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 43
- United Methodist Hymnal — 152
- With One Voice — 707
Liturgical Use
Many occasions as a strong opening hymn of praise; a congregational call to worship; springtime prayer services for crops/industry and for harvest thanksgiving (especially st. 4); festive processionals (use a concertato arrangement with brass and choral parts).
Bulletin Note
Written by Isaac Watts in 1715, this children's hymn became a cornerstone of English hymnody. Watts's genius lay in teaching theology through creation's song—a distinctly Lutheran insight that God's power is revealed through what He has made.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel proclamation by anchoring God's grace in the visible, tangible work of creation itself—inviting hearers to experience divine providence not as abstract doctrine but as present, sustaining reality that both accuses our neglect and comforts our anxious hearts.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's welcome of children to congregational praise to eschatological 'Hosanna' acclamation
Themes
God's power and majesty Creation and providence God's sovereignty Praise and worship