Scripture Verse

I will praise Thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto Thee. Psalm 138:1

Introduction

portrait
Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

Words: Is­aac Watts, The Psalms of Da­vid 1719.

Music: Ios­co, from an old Ger­man cho­rale. Me­lo­dy at­trib­ut­ed to John Hus (1369–1415) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Hirah Lo­well Ma­son, The Mo­dern Psalm­ist (Bos­ton Mas­sa­chu­setts: John H. Wil­kins & Ri­chard B. Car­ter, 1839), page 58 (🔊 pdf nwc)

Lyrics

With all my powers of heart and tongue,
I’ll praise my Maker in my song;
Angels shall hear the notes I raise,
Approve the song, and join the praise.

Angels that make Thy church their care
Shall witness my devotions there,
While holy zeal directs my eyes
To Thy fair temple in the skies.

I’ll sing Thy truth and mercy, Lord,
I’ll sing the wonders of Thy Word;
Not all Thy works and names below
So much Thy power and mercy show.

To God I cried when troubles rose;
He heard me, and subdued my foes;
He did my rising fears control,
And strength diffused through all my soul.

The God of Heav’n maintains His state,
Frowns on the proud, and scorns the great;
But from His throne descends to see
The sons of humble poverty.

Amidst a thousand snares I stand,
Upheld and guarded by Thy hand,
Thy words my fainting soul revive,
And keep my dying faith alive.

Grace will complete what grace begins,
To save from sorrows or from sins;
The work that wisdom undertakes
Eternal mercy ne’er forsakes.