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Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Henry Francis Lyte 1834 Tune: Lauda Anima (8.7.8.7.8.7)

A vigorous paraphrase of Psalm 103 calling the soul to bless its Redeemer.

Quick Answer

A vigorous paraphrase of Psalm 103 calling the soul to bless its Redeemer. Written by Henry Francis Lyte (1834), set to the tune "Lauda Anima" by John Goss.

Suggested pairing scripture

Psalm 103:1-4

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."

Read Psalm 103:1-4 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing as an opening hymn of Sunday morning worship, calling the congregation to lift its voice to God.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; To His feet thy tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Evermore His praises sing: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.

Stanza 2

Praise Him for His grace and favor To our fathers in distress; Praise Him still the same forever, Slow to chide, and swift to bless: Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in His faithfulness.

Stanza 3

Father-like, He tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame He knows; In His hands He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes: Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely as His mercy flows.

Stanza 4

Angels, help us to adore Him; Ye behold Him face to face; Sun and moon, bow down before Him; Dwellers all in time and space: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace.

History & Background

Henry Francis Lyte (also author of 'Abide With Me') published this paraphrase of Psalm 103 in his 'Spirit of the Psalms' in 1834. John Goss, organist at St. Paul's Cathedral, composed the tune 'Lauda Anima' in 1869. It was sung at the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Psalm 103:1-4

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies."

Read in context

Psalm 103:13-14

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

What psalm is this hymn based on?

Psalm 103. Each stanza follows the structure of David's psalm — calling the soul to bless the Lord, recounting His mercies, and joining the angels in praise.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliott S. Pierpoint · 1864

Fairest Lord Jesus

Anonymous (German, 17th century) · 1677

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Joachim Neander · 1680

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Henry Francis Lyte • 1834

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliott S. Pierpoint • 1864

Psalm 100:4 — Meaning & Devotional

Praise & Worship

Psalm 34:1 Commentary

In-depth study • Praise and Worship

Psalm 92:1-2 Commentary

In-depth study • Praise & Worship

The Te Deum

An ancient hymn of praise uniting heaven and earth in worship.

Where to go next

Enjoyed "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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