Wondrous King All-Glorious
Wondrous King, all-glorious
The hymn reflects Lutheran appreciation for God's sovereignty and the creation's proper response of praise to the Almighty King. Its emphasis on universal praise aligns with Lutheran understanding of God's glory being evident throughout creation and deserving universal acknowledgment.
History & Background
Written by James Waddell Alexander, this American hymn was published in the mid-nineteenth century and appeared in The Hymnal and Order of Service (1849). It has been a staple of Lutheran hymnals, particularly in The Lutheran Hymnal where it appears as hymn 41.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 41
Bulletin Note
Written by Presbyterian pastor James Waddell Alexander in 1849, this hymn captures the 19th-century evangelical impulse to celebrate God's majesty while maintaining the scriptural theme of creation's proper response to its Creator.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's proclamation of God's universal kingship amplifies the Law's demand for worship while the Gospel frees us to offer that praise—not from fear, but from the grateful heart of the redeemed.
Themes
God's majesty and glory Universal praise Creation's response to God Kingship of Christ