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In this hymn, Johann Herrnschmidt writes a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 146 and proclaims the work of Christ. The Lord is the Almighty whose holy name we adore for the entirety of our lives. Rather than trusting in mortal rulers who cannot save us from death, we trust in Christ who has conquered death for us. Those who have Christ as their help are blessed, for He helps the penitent, the weak, and the lowly with His glorious gifts. For this reason, we praise Him with the Father and Holy Spirit now and forever. 

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 797, “Praise the Almighty.” 

To learn more about Calvary Evangelical Lutheran, visit calvarymechanicsburg.org.

“Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy.  

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Praise the Almighty

1 Praise the Almighty, my soul, adore Him!

Yes, I will laud Him until death;

With songs and anthems I come before Him

As long as He allows me breath.

From Him my life and all things came;

Bless, O my soul, His holy name.

Allelujah, allelujah!

2 Trust not in rulers; they are but mortal;

Earth-born they are and soon decay.

Vain are their counsels at life’s last portal,

When the dark grave engulfs its prey.

Since mortals can no help afford,

Place all your trust in Christ, our Lord.

Allelujah, allelujah!

3 Blessed, oh, blessed are they forever

Whose help is from the Lord Most High,

Whom from salvation can nothing sever,

And who in hope to Christ draw nigh.

To all who trust in Him, our Lord

Will aid and counsel now afford.

Allelujah, allelujah!

4 Penitent sinners, for mercy crying,

Pardon and peace from Him obtain;

Ever the wants of the poor supplying,

Their faithful God He will remain.

He helps His children in distress,

The widows and the fatherless.

Allelujah, allelujah!

5 Praise, all you people, the name so holy

Of Him who does such wondrous things!

All that has being, to praise Him solely,

With happy heart its amen sings.

Children of God, with angel host

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Allelujah, allelujah!