Sing praise to God who reigns above

“Sing praise to God who reigns above” – “Sei lob und ehr dem höchsten gut” – was written by Johann Jakob Schütz (1640-1690) in 1675. In addition to writing hymns, Schütz was also a lawyer. Frances Elizabeth Cox made the English translation below, and included it in her book Hymns from the German in 1864. The original German text had nine 6-line stanzas, with the theme derived from Deuteronomy 32:3. The 8.7.8.7.8.8.7. meter hymn is usually paired with the tune Mit Freuden Zart.

1. Sing praise to God who reigns above,

the God of all creation,

the God of power, the God of love,

the God of our salvation.

With healing balm my soul is filled

and every faithless murmur stilled:

To God all praise and glory.

2. The Lord is never far away,

but through all grief distressing,

an ever present help and stay,

our peace and joy and blessing.

As with a mother’s tender hand,

God gently leads the chosen band:

To God all praise and glory.

3. Thus all my toilsome way along,

I sing aloud thy praises,

that earth may hear the grateful song

my voice unwearied raises.

Be joyful in the Lord, my heart,

both soul and body bear your part:

To God all praise and glory.

4. Let all who name Christ’s holy name

give God all praise and glory;

let all who own his power proclaim

aloud the wondrous story!

Cast each false idol from its throne,

for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:

To God all praise and glory.