River Valley Worship - Praise My Soul the King of Heaven Lyrics
Lyrics
Praise my soul the King of Heaven
To His feet thy tribute bring
Ransom, healed, restored, forgiven
Evermore as praises sing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Praise the everlasting King
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Praise Him for His grace and favor
To His people in distress
Praise Him still the same as ever
Slow to chide and swift to bless
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Glorious in His faithfulness
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Jesus, my life
Jesus, my strength
Jesus, my love
All to You, all to You, Jesus
Father-like He tends and spares us
Well our feeble frame He knows
In His hands He gently bears us
Rescues us from all our foes
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Widely yet His mercy flows
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Jesus, my life
Jesus, my strength
Jesus, my love
All to You, all to You, Jesus
Jesus, my life
Jesus, my strength
Jesus, my love
All to You, all to You, Jesus
Video
Praise My Soul The King of Heaven (Bonus Track)
Meaning & Inspiration
River Valley Worship delivered a profound spiritual experience with their 2016 bonus track release, "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven," a compelling adaptation of Henry Francis Lyte's cherished 19th-century hymn. This musical offering transcends mere performance, serving as a vibrant bridge between historical devotion and contemporary worship, inviting all to a deeper encounter with divine truth. The song’s power lies not just in its timeless words but in how it compels a personal and corporate response to God's magnificent character, echoing the call to worship found throughout Scripture.
The opening verses set a clear, unwavering tone, urging the human spirit to "Praise my soul the King of Heaven" and "To His feet thy tribute bring." This isn't just a suggestion; it’s a foundational command, reminiscent of Psalm 95:6, which calls us to bow down and kneel before our Maker. The hymn immediately grounds itself in the profound reality of salvation, declaring the soul "Ransom, healed, restored, forgiven." This concise yet potent statement encapsulates the core of the Gospel message, reflecting truths found in passages like Colossians 1:13-14, which celebrates our deliverance from darkness and the forgiveness of sins, and 1 Peter 2:24, reminding us that by His wounds, we are healed. The refrain, "Hallelujah, hallelujah, Praise the everlasting King," acts as a joyful, rhythmic affirmation, a perpetual anthem of gratitude that echoes Psalm 146:2, promising praise as long as one lives.
As the song progresses, it pivots to extol God's unwavering nature, asserting, "Praise Him for His grace and favor / To His people in distress." This particular line resonates deeply with the human experience of struggle, offering a lifeline of hope and acknowledging God as our ever-present help, a truth profoundly articulated in Psalm 46:1 and Hebrews 4:16. The declaration that God is "Praise Him still the same as ever / Slow to chide and swift to bless" paints a portrait of divine patience and generosity. This mirrors the enduring description of God in Exodus 34:6 and Psalm 103:8 as "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love." The concluding thought in this section, "Glorious in His faithfulness," draws directly from the comforting assurance of Lamentations 3:22-23, affirming that God’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great.
River Valley Worship then introduces a distinctive, more intimate bridge that elevates the classic hymn into a contemporary declaration of personal devotion: "Jesus, my life / Jesus, my strength / Jesus, my love / All to You, all to You, Jesus." This segment serves as a powerful testament to the New Testament's emphasis on Jesus as the center of our existence. To call Jesus "my life" evokes Colossians 3:4, where Christ is our very life, and John 14:6, proclaiming Him as the way, the truth, and the life. Identifying Him as "my strength" aligns with Philippians 4:13, the well-known declaration of finding strength in Christ, and Psalm 18:2, which praises God as our rock and fortress. The affirmation of "my love" is a responsive echo to 1 John 4:19, reminding us that we love because He first loved us. The repeated surrender, "All to You, all to You, Jesus," becomes a prayerful commitment, an offering of one's entire being, fulfilling the call of Romans 12:1 to present ourselves as living sacrifices.
The song returns to the hymn's lyrical foundation, further elaborating on God's benevolent character through the imagery of a caring Father: "Father-like He tends and spares us / Well our feeble frame He knows." This tender depiction aligns perfectly with Psalm 103:13-14, which beautifully illustrates God's compassion for His children, knowing our frame and remembering that we are dust. The profound comfort of being held "In His hands He gently bears us / Rescues us from all our foes" speaks to divine protection and provision, echoing Isaiah 40:11's imagery of a shepherd gently leading His flock and Deuteronomy 33:27, which promises the everlasting arms underneath us. The expansive declaration that "Widely yet His mercy flows" culminates this segment, serving as a powerful reminder of God’s boundless grace and redemption, truths eloquently found in Titus 3:5 and Psalm 103:11.
"Praise My Soul the King of Heaven" by River Valley Worship is more than just a musical arrangement; it's an invitation to engage with the eternal truths of God's character and our relationship with Him. By weaving together the revered heritage of a classic hymn with a fresh, personal declaration of devotion to Jesus, River Valley Worship creates a sacred space where generations can unite in worship. It inspires profound reflection on God's redemptive work, His steadfast faithfulness, and His tender care, urging every soul to offer unceasing praise to the Everlasting King.