“O God Beyond All Praising” was written by Michael Perry in 1982 to the melody THAXTED (otherwise known as the “Jupiter” theme from The Planets), a composition by the early 20th-century British composer Gustav Holst (1874-1934). Perry composed the text, he said, “in response to a call for alternative words that would be more appropriate for Christian worship.”

To meet this challenge, he created a majestic hymn of praise that is biblically rooted. For example, the final line of the second stanza, “our sacrifice of praise,” come directly from Psalm 116:17 and Hebrews 13:15. In stanza one, the phrase, “wait upon your word,” echoes Psalm 130:5. Another phrase from stanza one, “for we can only wonder at every gift you send,” resounds in the spirit of James 1:17. In the final stanza, the phrase “we’ll triumph through our sorrows and rise to bless you still” was, according to the author, a “reflect[ion on] my remembered determination of youthful days to overcome acute disappointment and personal loss.”

A new second stanza was added at the request of Roman Catholic composer Richard Proulx who wished to write an anthem based on the text. Since it was written for a specific Sunday based on the reading for the day, I Corinthians 15, it is usually omitted in hymnals. The author recommended the hymn to be sung in relation to Communion without this stanza.

This hymn is often sung at Remembrance Day services, and Princess Diana requested it for her wedding in 1981. The song was repeated for her funeral in 1997 and again for the 10th anniversary observance of her death in 2007.

Recorded live by Sunday 7pm Choir & Friends at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Ajax, Ontario, Canada. Thanks for listening and God bless. 🙏

Song Title: O God Beyond All Praising

Artist(s): Tune by Gustav Holst, Text by Michael Perry and Richard Proulx, Setting by Richard Proulx

Where to Find Music: https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/o-god-beyond-all-praising-print-g3190

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