Psalm 8: How Great Thou Art
“How Great Thou Art” is a song with a surprising history. What started as a humble poem written by a Swedish editor, a poem that echoes the words of psalm 8, ultimately became a worldwide musical sensation.
Carrie Underwood & Elvis Presley
Watch Carrie Underwood and Elvis Presley perform “How Great Thou Art,” and read the article, “Behind The Song,” here.
Carrie Underwood performs “How Great Thou Art”
Elvis Presley performs “How Great Thou Art”
Lyrics: "How Great Thou Art"
Songwriters: Rebecca Malope / S. Hine
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Questions for Reflection
- Awe is a major theme of this song. How would you define it? Can you recall an experience of awe?
- Reflect on the imagery of God as savior in this song (and in many other religious sources). Does it reflect your conception or experience of the Divine?
- What is the relationship of praise and lament in your spiritual life?