Sing Praise to the God Who Reigns Above
Sunday Morning Devotion: Week 19
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, you reign above all with power, love, and compassion. You are the God of our salvation, and we give you praise. Still our anxious hearts and fill us with the healing balm of your presence. As we reflect on this hymn, help us to see your hand in every part of life, guiding us, comforting us, and calling us to worship. May our lives reflect your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Sing Praise to the God Who Reigns Above
By Johann Jakob Shutz
Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation.
With healing balm my soul is filled
and every faithless murmur stilled:
To God all praise and glory.The Lord is never far away,
but through all grief distressing,
an ever present help and stay,
our peace and joy and blessing.
As with a mother's tender hand,
God gently leads the chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.Thus all my toilsome way along,
I sing aloud thy praises,
that earth may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises.
Be joyful in the Lord, my heart,
both soul and body bear your part:
To God all praise and glory.Let all who name Christ's holy name
give God all praise and glory;
let all who own his power proclaim
aloud the wondrous story!
Cast each false idol from its throne,
for Christ is Lord, and Christ alone:
To God all praise and glory.
Key Principles from this Hymn
God is sovereign over all creation; he rules with power, love, and redemptive purpose.
God is near and actively present; he leads, comforts, and sustains us through every trial.
True worship is a joyful, daily offering. Our whole lives should give praise and glory to God alone.
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
What does it mean to you that God reigns “above,” yet remains intimately near?
How has God stilled your “faithless murmurs” in times of fear or doubt?
In what ways have you experienced God’s hand as tender and sustaining, like a mother’s care?
How can you cultivate a daily habit of singing God’s praises, even in hardship?
What does it mean for your soul and body to both “bear their part” in joyful worship?
Are there any idols - comforts, ambitions, or habits - that you need to cast from the throne of your heart?
How can your public worship and daily life proclaim that Christ is Lord alone?
Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon
Psalm 103:1-2 - Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Action Steps
Begin or end your day with a hymn or psalm that lifts your focus to God’s character and promises.
Reflect on specific ways God has helped you and turn those into your own words of praise.
Examine your heart this week for anything that competes with Christ’s rightful place on the throne.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Gracious God, we praise you as the one who reigns above all and remains near to your people. You fill our souls with peace, still our anxious murmurs, and guide us with tender care. Thank you for being our ever-present help and the source of our joy and strength. Help us to live lives of true worship, casting down all that would take your place in our hearts. All praise and glory be to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.
Petition – prayers for yourself
Give me greater love for those who are hard to love.
Help me to be compassionate and kind to those in need, even when it’s inconvenient.
Pour upon me your courage and boldness to love those who do not know you and to share with them your Gospel, in word and deed.
Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
Other needs
Intercession – prayers for others
My family
My family and friends who do not have a saving relationship with Christ
For those in my other spheres of influence who do not know Christ
For evangelists around our city, country, and world who risk much in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost
Other needs
Quotation from Church History
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” (Martin Luther)
Thank you for joining me today. I pray this reflection has encouraged and blessed you. If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe. For more devotionals, Bible studies, and resources that are available weekly, but are not sent out via email, make sure to click here to explore more: Walking Points.