Originally written as a harvest-season hymn for children, it is sometimes suggested for St Patrick's Day or Christmas, but can be used at any time during the year.
The words were written by English Congregational minister, hymn writer, theologian, and logician Isaac Watts (1674–1748).
With meter 7.6.7.6 D, tunes it has been set to include
The words were written by English Congregational minister, hymn writer, theologian, and logician Isaac Watts (1674–1748).
With meter 7.6.7.6 D, tunes it has been set to include
- ELLACOMBE - composer unknown, from the Gesangbuch der Herzogl. Hofkapelle, Würtemberg, 1784 - the most commonly used tune
- FOREST GREEN - as adapt by Vaughn Williams
Downloads
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Examples
Small group, unaccompanied, professional recording:
Worship leader and congregation with piano:
Children's choir with organ:
Self-accompanied duet:
Lyrics
I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how your wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
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 you care;
And everywhere that we can be, you, God are present there.
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how your wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
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 you care;
And everywhere that we can be, you, God are present there.
Just returned from a hiking vacation in southern Utah, and this was the recessional at mass. I just sort of stopped singing along and listened.
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