Joachim Neander
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, less his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty LBW 543
1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear now to his temple draw near, joining in glad adoration!
2 Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things is wondrously reigning
and, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen all that is needful has been sent by his gracious ordaining?
3 Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do if with his love he befriend you.
4 Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the amen sound from his people again Gladly forever adore him!
Text: Joachim Neander, 1650-1680; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt.
Joachim Neander was the son and grandson of Lutheran pastors. In his youth he was also a militant atheist, and a moral reprobate, mostly shunned by his peers. When he in high school, a fiery evangelist named Under-Eyke visited Bremen, his home town. He attended one of his services with the intention of making fun of him and generally being a pain. Instead, he was so captured by his sermon he became a model Christian! He went on to be the headmaster of the local boys school and mentor to many a young mind, many of whom grew up to become pastors. He was also a prolific hymn writer, composing more than 60 before his untimely death.
His evangelical tendencies did not sit well with the board of education and he was dismissed for his efforts, this hymn was written as a response to that firing. Though he died young, at age 30, he contributed this, and many other powerful hymns to the German hymn book making a profound impact beyond his death to generations that followed.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, inspire us to make full use of our lives, not only for those we see and love and know who are with us, but for those many who will come after us. May our lives, our work and our witness be an inspiration to them that in their own time, in their own ways, they may answer your call and be a blessing! Amen.