Praise to the Lord, the Almighty | Hymn25

1680 | Joachim Neander

Catherine Winkler was a brilliant english woman who at a young age moved to Germany for study. She used her education and advantages to fight for women’s rights, particularly the right to higher education. While in Germany she gained an appreciation and affection for the great German hymns. Inspired, she took on the work of translating these hymns so her english speaking church could join the chorus. She was quickly recognized for her delicate translation that was sweet to sing and honored the original lyrics. Her best known translation is for the hymn “Praise to the Lord the Almighty”, written in German in 1680 and translated by Catherine into English 200 years later. This hymn has since been translated in 7 other languages including French, Hebrew, Hungarian, Korean, Spanish, and Yiddish.Because of the work of translators like Catherine Winkler, we can sing the same song across language divides and across the world.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near,
join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning;
sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with his love he befriends you.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him.
Let the Amen sound from his people again;
gladly forever adore him.

Jon Lilley | Worship Arts Pastor