This is a well known hymn. I like any song that includes the word "soul." I think somehow that helps my brain remember that I have an eternal part of me, the part that keeps on singing to my marvelous Creator. If you think the verses are a bit too tricky for your children, have them memorize the chorus. Talk to them about why God is great. What has He done? This can lead you to talking about the greatest thing of all - the giving of His Son. This hymn covers the greatness of God in nature as Creator of the past, the giving of His Son to take away our sin in the present, and the hope we have of the mighty promise that Jesus will come again in the future! The big picture of the Bible is covered in this hymn and tells us what our response should be: praise!
Fun Facts
Text: Stuart Hine (1899-1989)
- This is a hymn that is sung by the universal church and is important for our children to learn.
- This hymn text began its journey in Sweden (Carl Boberg), then made its way to Germany in 1907 and Russia in 1912 (with 9 stanzas). An English missionary (Stuart Hine) to Russia heard it, translated it, and expanded it to reflect his own relationship with God. From Great Britain, this text went to India and from there to California and then it was published. The rest is history!
- Hine wrote many hymns. This was his most famous.
Tune: Swedish folk melody (arr. Stuart Hine, 1949)
- the original poem O STORE GUD ( O Great God ) was written by Boberg in Sweden. Hine translated and harmonized the melody
Remember to order you copy of the hymnal we are singing through if you still need a hymnal!
Things to think about ...
- as you sing this hymn: you acknowledge God as Creator and Lord, you declare Him as Savior through His Son Jesus, and you affirm that He will bring His people to Himself one day.
- the phrase "How Great Thou Art" is repeated 17 times. Don't just sing about God, but sing to Him!
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