Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Isaac Watts

Recognized as the 'Father of English Hymnody' (1674–1748), Watts revolutionized congregational worship. As a young man, he complained about the dull and awkward metrical psalms sung in church, prompting his father to challenge him: 'Give us something better, then.' Watts did exactly that, writing over 750 hymns. He pioneered the practice of writing 'hymns of human composure' that expressed personal Christian experience, culminating in masterpieces like 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross' and the triumphant Christmas anthem 'Joy to the World'.

Source: Divine and Moral Songs

We sing the mighty power of God
that made the mountains rise,
that spread the flowing seas abroad
and built the lofty skies.
We sing the wisdom that ordained
the sun to rule the day;
the moon shines full at his command,
and all the stars obey.
We sing the goodness of the Lord
that filled the earth with food;
he formed the creatures with his word
and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how your wonders are displayed,
where'er we turn our eyes,
if we survey the ground we tread
or gaze upon the skies.
There's not a plant or flower below
but makes your glories known,
and clouds arise and tempests blow
by order from your throne;
while all that borrows life from you
is ever in your care,
and everywhere that we can be,
you, God, are present there.