Psalm 8: How Great Thou Art

rolling-thunder

Watch, Listen & Reflect

“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”

How Great Thou Art Lyrics
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

  1. Awe is a major theme of this song. What is something that you are in awe of?
    Using the thing that you are in awe of, complete this sentence. I experience The Divine as _____.  For example, I find awe in sunrises. I experience The Divine as a sunrise, shining light upon the Earth through the transition out of darkness. Reflect upon the relationship between your personal awe and your experience of The Divine.
  2. Reflect on the imagery of God as a Savior. Does this language resonate with you? How does it reflect your conception of God?
  3. When are moments that you’ve felt praise? Do you ever ‘fake it until you make it,’ praising God when you feel angry as an aspiration?