How Great Thou Art Sacred Selections, #1A

Background Based on Swedish hymn, ‘O Store Gud’ (O Great God)Based on Swedish hymn, ‘O Store Gud’ (O Great God) Poem written in 1885 by Carl BobergPoem written in 1885 by Carl Boberg Translated into German, then Russian & later into English (1925 – by Gustav Johnson)Translated into German, then Russian & later into English (1925 – by Gustav Johnson)

Background Our version, written by Stuart H. Kine, ca 1949.Our version, written by Stuart H. Kine, ca Based upon events in his life. Vs. 1-2, similar to that of BobergBased upon events in his life. Vs. 1-2, similar to that of Boberg Vs. 3 & 4 based upon other events.Vs. 3 & 4 based upon other events. Over 1700 documented recordings of this hymn.Over 1700 documented recordings of this hymn.

Background Our version, written by Stuart H. Kine, ca 1949.Our version, written by Stuart H. Kine, ca Based upon events in his life. Vs. 1-2, similar to that of BobergBased upon events in his life. Vs. 1-2, similar to that of Boberg Vs. 3 & 4 based upon other events.Vs. 3 & 4 based upon other events. Over 1700 documented recordings of this hymn.Over 1700 documented recordings of this hymn.

Background While produced in denominational circles, the message rings true ( Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 )While produced in denominational circles, the message rings true ( Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 )

Vs. 1 – God’s power and awe O Lord my God – befitting our Creator Lord God – Psa. 48:8, 11; Rev. 21:22, Gen. 2:7O Lord my God – befitting our Creator Lord God – Psa. 48:8, 11; Rev. 21:22, Gen. 2:7

Vs. 1 – God’s power and awe When I in awesome wonder… God is to be held in aweWhen I in awesome wonder… God is to be held in awe Psa. 33:8, 111:9, Heb. 13:28 Psa. 33:8, 111:9, Heb. 13:28

Vs. 1 – God’s power and awe Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made – descriptive of His power in creation - stars, thunderings ( cf. Ex. 19:16, 20:18, Psa. 18:13, … )Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made – descriptive of His power in creation - stars, thunderings ( cf. Ex. 19:16, 20:18, Psa. 18:13, … ) Rom. 1:20, Psa. 19:1-6 Rom. 1:20, Psa. 19:1-6

Vs. 2 – Nature & God, peace In nature we see God’s handiwork. Penned as the result of a walk after a storm in Russia.In nature we see God’s handiwork. Penned as the result of a walk after a storm in Russia. Man creates wonderful things but they cannot compare to God’s creation.Man creates wonderful things but they cannot compare to God’s creation. A scene of peace – Phil. 4:7, Col. 3:15A scene of peace – Phil. 4:7, Col. 3:15 Psalm 33:6-9 Psalm 33:6-9

Vs. 3 – God’s grace & salvation Recorded after visiting a Russian village with his wife. He wrote down expressions he heard during a “call to repentance”Recorded after visiting a Russian village with his wife. He wrote down expressions he heard during a “call to repentance” And when I think that God His Son not sparing John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10And when I think that God His Son not sparing John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10

Vs. 3 – God’s grace & salvation I scarce can take it in –I scarce can take it in – Considering our place in this universe, we are special. Can we fathom His care for us? Rom. 11:33, Eph. 3:14- 18, Psa. 40:5Considering our place in this universe, we are special. Can we fathom His care for us? Rom. 11:33, Eph. 3:14- 18, Psa. 40:5

Vs. 3 – God’s grace & salvation That on the cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sinsThat on the cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sins Jesus died for us! 1 Pet. 2:24-25, 4:1, Heb. 9:28, John 1:29Jesus died for us! 1 Pet. 2:24-25, 4:1, Heb. 9:28, John 1:29

Vs. 4 – Hope for future times Penned after WWII in England. Visiting a refugee camp, Kine men a “believer” who had been separated from his wife.Penned after WWII in England. Visiting a refugee camp, Kine men a “believer” who had been separated from his wife. When Christ shall come – 2 Cor. 5:10, 1 Thess. 4:13-18, 2 Thess. 1:7, Ac. 1:11When Christ shall come – 2 Cor. 5:10, 1 Thess. 4:13-18, 2 Thess. 1:7, Ac. 1:11

Vs. 4 – Hope for future times And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart – 1 Thess. 4:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:50-56And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart – 1 Thess. 4:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:50-56

Vs. 4 – Hope for future times Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, ‘My God, how great Thou art’! – Phil. 2:10-11 – every knee shall bowThen I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, ‘My God, how great Thou art’! – Phil. 2:10-11 – every knee shall bow Before His throne there is great praise – cf. Rev. 4:8, 10; 5:11- 14; 7:10-12; 19:4-7Before His throne there is great praise – cf. Rev. 4:8, 10; 5:11- 14; 7:10-12; 19:4-7 Are we looking for that day?Are we looking for that day?

Chorus Then sings my soul - With joy we sing in hope Jas. 5:13Then sings my soul - With joy we sing in hope Jas. 5:13 My Savior God to Thee – Heb. 13:15, Eph. 5:19My Savior God to Thee – Heb. 13:15, Eph. 5:19 How Great Thou Art – Psa. 145:1-7How Great Thou Art – Psa. 145:1-7

Extra verses God’s patience - O when I see ungrateful man defiling, This bounteous earth, God's gifts so good and great; In foolish pride, God's holy Name reviling, And yet, in grace, His wrath and judgment wait.

Extra verses Grace sufficient in times of burdens and grief – When burdens press, and seem beyond endurance, Bowed down with grief, to Him I lift my face; And then in love He brings me sweet assurance: 'My child! for thee sufficient is my grace'.

How Great is He to you?