To God be the Glory

This hymn of praise was written by American Baptist mission-worker, poet and hymn-writer Frances Jane (Fanny J) Crosby (1820–1915) and first published in 1875.

It has had verses added for various saints, including Nicholas of Myra.

With meter 11.11.11.11 with refrain, it is almost always set to the tune TO GOD BE THE GLORY which was written for the text by W. Howard Doane (1832-1915).

It has been recorded by a wide range of artists, in very many different styles.

Downloads

PowerPoint
slides

A wide range of choral and instrumental arrangements are available..

Examples

Congregation with piano:

Massed choir with orchestra:

Instrumental - guitar:

Rock version (starts at 0:40)

Lyrics

To God be the glory, great things he has done;
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that we may go in.

Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord; let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give him the glory; great things he has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things he has taught us, great things he has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our gladness, when Jesus we see.

Additional verse for St Nicholas of Myra

We pray with St Nich'las our Patron and Saint
That we may be nourished and never grow faint
In telling the Gospel of God's saving might
To all who come seeking the Truth and the Light.

See more ...

Hymns of praise