Praise to the Lord the Almighty

Joachim Neander, 1680; translated Catherine Winkworth, 1863

What This Song Teaches Us About God

The hymn begins, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation.” God is praised first as Almighty and King. He is not one power among many. He rules over all He has made, and His people are called to respond with worship.

The hymn also emphasizes God’s providential care. “Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth” describes God as both sovereign and tender. His rule is not cold control. He governs, provides, protects, and sustains His people according to His wisdom.

Scripture Connections

• Psalm 103:19 — The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. The hymn’s praise begins with God’s universal kingship.
• Psalm 91:4 — God is pictured as covering His people with His wings. The hymn uses the same image to speak of His protection and care.
• Colossians 1:16–17 — All things were created through Christ and for Christ, and in Him all things hold together. The hymn’s “King of creation” language fits this biblical vision of God’s rule over all things.

Clarifying the Language

“Laudation” — Praise. When the hymn says, “hear now to His temple draw near, join me in glad adoration,” it is calling God’s people to gathered worship.

“Ponder anew what the Almighty can do” — Think again about God’s power and care. The hymn calls believers to remember God’s works rather than treat them as ordinary.

“Sustaineth” — Sustains. God upholds and preserves His people; they do not keep themselves by their own strength.