Lord God Thee We Give All Praise (Hymn)

Lord God to Thee We Give All Praise is a Christian hymn that exalts God’s glory, highlights the faithful service of angels, and acknowledges divine protection against spiritual adversaries. Centered on worship, angelic obedience, and spiritual warfare, this timeless song reminds believers of God’s sovereignty and the unseen battle between good and evil.

VERSE 1
Lord God, to Thee we give all praise,
With grateful hearts our voices raise,
That angel hosts Thou didst create
Around Thy glorious throne to wait.

VERSE 2
They shine with light and heavenly grace
And constantly behold Thy face;
They heed Thy voice, they know it well,
In godly wisdom they excel.

VERSE 3
They never rest nor sleep as we;
Their whole delight is but to be
With Thee, Lord Jesus, and to keep
Thy little flock, Thy lambs and sheep.

VERSE 4
The ancient dragon is their foe;
His envy and his wrath they know.
It always is his aim and pride
Thy Christian people to divide.

VERSE 5
As he of old deceived the world
And into sin and death has hurled,
So now he subtly lies in wait
To undermine both Church and state.

VERSE 6
A roaring lion, round he goes,
No halt nor rest he ever knows;
He seeks the Christians to devour
And slay them in his dreadful power.

VERSE 7
But watchful is the angel band
That follows Christ on every hand
To guard His people where they go
And break the counsel of the foe.

VERSE 8
For this, now and in days to be,
Our praise shall rise, O Lord, to Thee,
Whom all the angel hosts adore
With grateful songs forevermore.

Story Behind the Song

In 1543, Philipp Melanchthon, a close associate of Martin Luther and a pivotal figure in the Protestant Reformation, composed the Latin hymn “Dicimus grates tibi, summe rerum,” which translates to “Lord God, to Thee We Give All Praise.” This hymn was crafted to honor the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, celebrated on September 29th, reflecting on the role of angels in Christian theology.[1]

Paul Eber, a German theologian and successor to Melanchthon at the University of Wittenberg, translated the hymn into German, making it more accessible to congregations of that era. The hymn emphasizes the creation of angelic beings, their continuous worship of God, and their role in protecting believers from evil. [2]

The hymn gained prominence in Lutheran worship and was later translated into English by Emanuel Cronenwett in the 19th century. Cronenwett’s translation preserved the original themes, allowing English-speaking congregations to appreciate its rich theological insights. [3]

Johann Sebastian Bach recognized the hymn’s significance and incorporated it into his compositions. Notably, he used it as the basis for his chorale cantata BWV 130, intended for the Feast of St. Michael. Bach’s adaptation highlights the hymn’s enduring impact on sacred music and its role in commemorating the archangel Michael and all angels. [4]

Today, “Lord God, to Thee We Give All Praise” remains a cherished hymn in Lutheran hymnals, reflecting on the divine service of angels and their guardianship over humanity. Its continued use in worship services underscores its timeless message and theological depth. [5]