Psalm 148

It became one of my favorite hymns although you will not find it in Glory to God (2013). You also will not find it in The Presbyterian Hymnal (1990). You will find it in The Hymnbook (1955)! The hymn is titled Praise Ye, Praise Ye the Lord by Leonard Cooper Blanton. He was a musician and graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He wrote the words, based on Psalm 148, and the music. He titled the tune: COLUMBIA.

Praise ye, praise ye, the Lord … in yonder heavenly height …
Ye angels, all His hosts … In joyful praise unite …
O sun, and moon, declare His might
Show forth His praise, ye stars of light. 

Praise Him ye highest heavens … Praise Him ye clouds that roll, …
Created by His power … And under His control, …
Ye heavens that stand eternally, Established by His firm decree.

Ye creatures in the sea… And creatures on the earth, …
Your mighty Maker praise … And tell His matchless worth
Praise Him, ye stormy winds that blow, Ye fire and hail, Ye rain and snow.

Ye hills and mountains praise, … Each tree and beast and bird; …
Ye kings and realms of earth, … Now let your praise be heard, …
By high and low, by young and old, Be all His praise and glory told.

By all let God be praised, … For He alone is great; …
Above the earth and heaven, … He reigns in glorious state:
Praise Him, ye saints, who know His grace And ever dwell before His face.

Obviously, Mr. Blanton was inspired by Psalm 148 and created this wonderful hymn that caught my attention as I began my seminary education. Though not the musician, he was, I have been inspired by Scripture and have dabbled with hymn writing, mostly setting my words to familiar tunes. I enjoy doing so when I am inspired and have time to sit at the computer. On Bright Sunday was my first foray into hymn writing and I hope I have some more hymns in me to put down in type to glorify and praise God.

Prayer

Creator God, we thank You that the beauty and wonder of Your creation can stir our creative juices so that we may glorify and praise You in a number of different ways. Accept our “creations” for Your honor and glory and to strengthen the faith of Your people. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.