The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#443

443. O would, my God, that I could praise Thee

1 O would, my God, that I could praise Thee
With thousand tongues, by day and night!
How many a song my lips should raise Thee,
Who order'st all things here aright!
My thankful heart would ever be
Telling what God hath done for me.

2 O all ye powers that He implanted,
Arise, keep silence thus no more,
Put forth the strength that He hath granted,
Your noblest work is to adore;
O soul and body, make ye meet
With heartfelt praise your Lord to greet.

3 Ye forest leaves so green and tender,
That dance for joy in summer air;
Ye meadow-grasses bright and slender,
Ye flowers so wondrous sweet and fair;
Ye live to show His praise alone,
Help me to make His glory known.

4 O all things that have breath and motion;
That throng with life, earth, sea, and sky,
Now join me in my heart's devotion,
Help me to raise His praises high.
My utmost powers can ne'er aright
Declare the wonders of His might.

5 But I will tell, while I am living,
His goodness forth with every breath,
And greet each morning with thanksgiving,
Until my heart is still in death.
Nay, when at last my lips grow cold,
His praise shall in my sighs be told.

O Father, deign Thou, I beseech Thee,
To listen to my earthly lays;
A nobler strain in heaven shall reach Thee,
When I with angels hymn Thy praise,
And learn amid their choirs to sing
Loud Hallelujahs to my King.

Text Information

• First Line: O would, my God, that I could praise Thee
• Author: J. Mentzer (1704)
• Meter: 9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Twelfth Sunday after Trinity; Praise and Prayer; Thanksgiving

Tune Information

• Name: [O would, my God, that I could praise Thee]
• Composer: J. D. Meier (1692)
• Arranger: Chr. Möck, d. 1818
• Meter: 9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8.
• Key: G Major