I Sing the Almighty Power of God

This story from my sister reminds me about the way children see the world. Wide-eyed, trusting and open to everything. Not only is it how we are supposed to see God, but it also reminds us of the importance of nurturing faith in children. 

There was a hymn writer who made this one of his main goals. 

Isaac Watts. 

While he is known for great hymns sung by all ages, his passion for many hymns including, I Sing the Almighty Power of God, was to reach children with truth using beautiful language they could understand. 

This hymn paints a picture of God’s greatness using things a child would notice. Flowers, animals, stars, storms, all simple things that create the world of a child, and could make their faith stronger. 

Isaac Watts was born in 1674 and wrote I Sing the Almighty Power of God in in 1715. His nickname was The Father of English Hymnody. He most likely acquired this nickname due to his large contribution to hymns over the years. He wrote over 750 hymns in his lifetime.

Because Isaac Watts’ hymns reflected his personal faith and true Biblical Truths. Not only did he include these things, but he put them in a poetic form that many people could relate to. Some of his most well known works were: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Joy to the World and, O God Our Help in Ages Past. 

For a lot of hymns including I Sing the Almighty Power of God, Watts wrote them as a part of a collection called “Divine Songs Attempted in Easy Language for the use of Children, to teach theology through nature and song. 

An interesting fact about this hymn is that it was once called Ellacombe, a German melody used for a Catholic hymn in the 18th century. Even though this hymn was written for children, adults could enjoy it two, and it quickly became a staple in adult worship. 

I think it is a good reminder for us to embrace our faith like a child, like it mentions in Mathew 18:3.

On my channel, Jonathan Violin Hymns, I’ve tried to keep that simplicity intact to enjoy this piece of history that is so important to many of us today.

Lyrics

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.