See PHH 639 for a discussion of the "alleluia" text. In the style of praise choruses the following anonymous stanzas were added after the original setting was composed (note that each phrase is sung four times):
- 2 He's my Savior, alleluia!
- 3 He is worthy, alleluia!
- 4 I will praise him, alleluia!
- 5 Maranatha, alleluia!
With these additional stanzas the theme of "alleluia" becomes the praise of Christ. Stanzas 2 and 3 explain the reasons for this praise: Jesus is our Savior (Matt. 1:21 b), and he is worthy of all praise (Rev. 4:11; 5:12). Stanza 4 makes the "alleluia" directly person¬al, and the final stanza, "Maranatha," urges the Lord to come quickly to receive perfect praise from all his creatures.
Liturgical Use:
Various occasions of praise to God, including the Lord's Supper; with the final stanza, "Maranatha," during Advent; see PHH 639 for additional suggestions.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988
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