Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#484

484. Humble Praises, Holy Jesus

Text Information

• First Line: Humble praises, holy Jesus
• Title: Humble Praises, Holy Jesus
• Reviser: Emily R. Brink (1985)
• Author: Anonymous
• Refrain First Line: Alleluia, alleluia
• Meter: 87 87 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Topic: Family; Shepherd, God/Christ as; Songs for Children: Hymns; Redemption; Alleluias; Holy Spirit; Salvation
• Copyright: Text © 1987, CRC Publications

Tune Information

• Name: VESPER HYMN
• Composer: John A. Stevenson (1818)
• Meter: 87 87 with refrain
• Key: D Major

Text Information:

Sometimes labeled as a "composite," this anonymous text was published in the Augustana Lutheran Hymnal (1925) and in Henry J. Kuiper’s New Christian Hymnal (1929). It was introduced to many Christian school children in Let Youth Praise Him (1949) and was included in the 1959 Psalter Hymnal. In 1985, Psalter Hymnal editor Emily R. Brink (PHH 158) revised the text for the 1987 edition.

All stanzas use the biblical imagery of the shepherd (Jesus) and his lambs (children) in a petition for guidance and protection. The refrain adds its "alleluia to our King" as evidence of the "humble praises." The entire text is an effective prayer of petition and praise.

Liturgical Use:
Many occasions of worship; though it works well with younger children, suitable for all God's children, regardless of age.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

VESPER HYMN appeared in John A. Stevenson's Selection of Popular National Airs (1818) as a setting for Thomas Moore's "Hark! The Vesper Hymn Is Stealing." A footnote in that hymnal explained that Stevenson had added what is-now the first line of the retrain to a "Russian Air." Some later hymnals attributed the tune to Dimitri Bortniansky, but no tune resembling this one has been found in that Russian composer's published works. Stevenson is generally recognized as being the arranger if not also the composer.

As a youth, Stevenson (b. Dublin, Ireland, 1761; d. Kells, Ireland, 1833) was a chorister at Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. He later worked as a church musician in both cathedrals: at St. Patrick's from 1783 to 1800 and at Christ Church from 1800 to 1814. In 1814 he became organist and musical director at the Castle Chapel. Stevenson published Morning and Evening Services and Anthems (1825) and an oratorio, Thanksgiving (1831). But he is better known for his operas and songs for the stage and his collection of Irish Melodies (1807-1809) to lyrics by Thomas Moore.

This bar form (AAB) tune reaches an early climax in its refrain. Preferably sing with children, but begin and end with the refrain as a frame sung by the entire congregation. For choral singing at a special service, try having the sopranos sing the final line of the refrain up an octave.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook