Title: Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven
Hymn Number: SS&S 1 (Sacred songs and solo)
1. Praise my soul the King of heaven ;
To His feet thy tribute bring ;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like thee His praise shall sing ?
Praise Him! praise Him!
Praise the everlasting King!
2. Praise Him for His grace and favour
To our fathers in distress ;
Praise Him, still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless :
Praise Him! praise Him !
Glorious in His faithfulness !
3. Father- like He tends and spares us,
Well our feeble frame He knows ;
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes :
Praise Him ! praise Him !
Widely as His mercy flows.
4. Angels, help us to adore Him,
Ye behold Him face to face !
Sun and moon, bow down before
Him !Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise Him ! praise Him !
Praise with us the God of grace !
About the Hymn
The hymn “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven,” based on Psalm 103, is a song of praise and thanksgiving, written by Henry Francis Lyte in 1834. The hymn is commonly found in Christian hymnals, including the Sacred Songs and Solos collection. Its rich imagery draws from biblical texts, encapsulating themes of God’s eternal kingship, mercy, and fatherly love.
Verse 1: Acknowledging God’s Kingship and Praise
The first verse begins with an invitation to praise God, acknowledging Him as the “King of Heaven.” It reflects a call to lift up our voices in reverence and worship for His majesty and sovereignty. By calling Him the “King of Heaven,” the hymn emphasizes God’s supremacy over all creation, not just the earthly realm, but the celestial too.
The phrase “ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven” reminds us of God’s saving grace and His acts of redemption. It suggests that humanity, having been lost in sin, has been redeemed, healed of spiritual brokenness, restored to fellowship with God, and forgiven of sins. Each word here speaks to a different aspect of God’s merciful intervention in human lives.
The verse ends with a question, “Who like me His praise should sing?” The implication is that having experienced such deep grace and mercy, we are uniquely positioned to offer genuine praise. It’s an individual, personal reflection, asking who better than those who have been redeemed to sing God’s praises?
Verse 2: God’s Faithfulness and Fatherly Compassion
The second verse describes God’s ongoing, faithful care. Here, He is depicted as a loving Father who “gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes.” This image echoes the recurring biblical theme of God as a shepherd who tenderly looks after His flock. His mercy, as in Psalm 103, is described as “slow to chide, and swift to bless.” The hymn captures the idea that God is patient and kind, slow to anger, and quick to forgive and show compassion.
There is also a reminder of God’s fatherly nature: as a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion on His people. This sense of intimate, familial love reinforces the idea that God’s love is both transcendent and immanent—He is the King of Heaven, but also close and tender as a father.
Verse 3: The Frailty of Humanity and God’s Eternal Nature
In the third verse, the hymn turns its attention to the frailty of human life, a theme rooted in Psalm 103. It contrasts the temporal nature of humanity with the eternal constancy of God. It speaks of how “frail as summer’s flower we flourish,” echoing the Bible’s metaphors of human life as fleeting, like grass that withers and flowers that fade. Yet, in contrast to human frailty, God’s love is eternal. His mercy “still endures,” linking back to the everlasting nature of His compassion and care.
This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of earthly existence but highlights that despite our frailty, God’s love is unchanging. His promises remain steadfast throughout all generations, providing a source of comfort and hope in a transient world.
Verse 4: God’s Universal Reign
In the fourth verse, the hymn returns to the theme of God’s kingship and dominion. It proclaims that “angels, help us to adore Him,” calling upon the heavenly hosts to join in praise. This imagery of angels worshiping God is reminiscent of biblical scenes, such as those in Isaiah and Revelation, where celestial beings sing praises before God’s throne. It’s a reminder of the universal nature of worship—humans and angels alike bow before the King of Heaven.
The final lines stress the everlasting rule of God. He reigns “in heaven’s eternal days” and continues to rule “evermore.” This affirms His unending sovereignty and glory, underscoring the hymn’s message that God is eternal, constant, and deserving of endless praise from all creation.
Overall Message and Significance
The overarching theme of “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven” is a powerful expression of gratitude and reverence for God’s character—His kingship, mercy, and eternal love. It encourages worshippers to reflect on the many ways God has shown grace, from redemption and healing to His ongoing provision and care. The hymn weaves together biblical themes of praise, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of human frailty, pointing believers to the eternal and unchanging nature of God.
This hymn has endured for centuries, resonating deeply within the Christian tradition because of its poetic richness and theological depth. It is often sung during times of celebration and reflection, such as church services, weddings, and funerals, reminding worshippers of God’s faithfulness throughout the highs and lows of life. Its triumphant, majestic melody adds to its impact, making it a beloved hymn for congregational worship across the world.