Grundtvig book launch today!

 

Grant me, God, a tongue to praise you

Grant me, God, a tongue to praise you,

that resoundingly displays you

with a psalmist’s art!

so that I may feel with gladness

he who lauds you knows no sadness,

has an upright heart!

Heav’n your glory is proclaiming,

may I too in praise be naming

you when day is nigh!

and when evening bells are ringing

may my song like larks be winging

through the twilight sky!

There’s no man or beast whatever

for your loving kindness ever

ample praise can show,

you to us in joy and sorrow

give both now as on the morrow

more than angels know!

At your marvels we but wonder,

at your wisdom all must ponder

who have had full share,

only fools seek to conceal

everything with you is real

and beyond compare!

As the grass is every sinner,

ends while he is but beginner,

fades while yet it’s spring,

even heavens are time’s minion,

but in your divine dominion

you are always King!

All your foes will soon be shattered,

yea, as chaff they will be scattered

to earth’s farthest end,

while old age will without ceasing

witness wondrous powers increasing

with your trusted friend!

Foes scarce reel before they tumble.

O’er their graves we, glad and humble,

listen to your word:

As a palm or cedar growing,

righteousness is outward flowing,

covering the earth!

See, from your great forcing houses,

outdoors where the storm carouses,

planted shoots take root!

And, when white as snow appearing,

they will for their Lord be bearing

all their winter fruit!

Even though the days be dour,

in your orchards there will flower

every shoot and bud,

in old age their fruit be bearing,

with the hills and woods declaring:

God is wise and good!