A story of the hymn, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, King of Creation!” by William Petersen

As a student in Bremen, Germany, Joachim Neander lived a godless life. Although both his father and grandfather were Lutheran ministers, Neander wasted his teenage years in immorality. Then, when Neander was twenty, a preacher named Under-Eyke came to Bremen. Neander went to the meeting intending to ridicule the preacher, but instead he was converted.

Four years later he became headmaster of a school in Düsseldorf, and during his time there he wrote more than sixty hymns. Because of his strong Christian views and his evangelistic activities, Neander displeased the authorities and was later removed from his position.

Despite the tensions, he went on writing hymns of praise. Neander often wandered through the valleys and hills near Düsseldorf, communing with his Lord. After losing his position at the school, he lived for a time in a cave and continued writing hymns. Neander died very young, at the age of thirty, but he left behind a legacy of praise to God.

Scriptures: Psalm 67:3; Psalm 103:1-5; Colossians 1:15-20

Themes: Praise, Worship, Comfort

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!

All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;

Join me in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

Shieldeth thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!

Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been

Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;

Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!

Let the amen sound from His people again;

Gladly forever adore Him.

By JOACHIM NEANDER (1650–1680) Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 66-67). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.