John&Jacq~s Garden

How Great Thou Art, O God!

Today is Passion Sunday or Palm Sunday. During the Eucharistic Celebration Mass, a visiting Priest to our parish called us, children of God, to focus on Jesus as we begin the Holy Week, leading to Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

And, as I ponder on Christ’s Passion on the cross and God’s all-consuming love and mercy for His creatures in His salvation plan to unite us to Him, His outpouring bounty and splendorous creation, etc. and etc., my heart just wants to sing aloud this wonderful hymn of praise and worship – :D

HOW GREAT THOU ART

1. O Lord, my God! When I in awesome wonder
   Consider all the works Thy hands have made
   I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
   Thy power throughout the universe displayed
   
   Refrain:
   Then sings my soul, my savior God, to Thee
   How great Thou art, how great Thou art
   Then sings my soul, my savior God, to Thee
   How great Thou art, how great Thou art
2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander
   I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
   When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
   And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze
   Repeat Refrain
3. And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
   Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in
   That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
   He bled and died to take away my sin
   Repeat Refrain
4. When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation
   And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
   Then I shall bow in humble adoration
   And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
   Repeat Refrain

The accompanying music can be downloaded from this site which has lyrics in German and Japanese, besides English if you’re interested. Clicking on the ‘Melody’ button will provide music for one verse only, whilst the ‘3 Verses’ button will provide for 3 verses. Enjoy! :)

The origin of this beautiful song by a 25-year old Swedish pastor, Carl Boberg in 1886 and its history can be read here.

All praise, glory and honor are yours and yours alone, O Almighty God, our King and Majesty!

Tags: hymns