Songs Cannot Repay, But They Can Get Us Praying Better

Is there a hymn that knocks you back into focus? “O God, Beyond All Praising,” perhaps?

O God beyond all praising,

we worship you today

and sing the love amazing

that songs cannot repay;

for we can only wonder

at every gift you send,

at blessings without number

and mercies without end:

we lift our hearts before you

and wait upon your word,

we honor and adore you,

our great and mighty Lord.

 

The flower of earthly splendor

in time must surely die,

its fragile bloom surrender

to you the Lord most high;

but hidden from all nature

the eternal seed is sown –

though small in mortal stature,

to heaven’s garden grown:

for Christ the Man from heaven

from death has set us free,

and we through him are given

the final victory!

 

Then hear, O gracious Savior,

accept the love we bring,

that we who know your favor

may serve you as our king;

and whether our tomorrows

be filled with good or ill,

we’ll triumph through our sorrows

and rise to bless you still:

to marvel at your beauty

and glory in your ways,

and make a joyful duty

our sacrifice of praise.

There’s something “Do whatever He tells you” about it. And what else is there to know, really?