Lyrics
Lord with glowing heart I'd praise Thee,
For the bliss Thy love bestows,
For the pardoning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows:
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise:
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.
Praise, my soul, the God that sought me,
Wretched wanderer, far astray;
Found me lost, and kindly brought me
From the paths of death away;
Praise, with love's devoutest feeling,
Him Who saw my guilt-born fear,
And the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.
Praise my Savior God that drew me
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood sealed pardon to me,
Bade me look to Him and live.
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed me,
Roused me from my fatal ease;
Praise the grace whose promise warmed me,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.
Lord, this bosom's ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express.
Low before Thy footstool kneeling,
Deign Thy suppliant's prayer to bless:
Let Thy grace, my soul's chief treasure,
Love's pure flame within me raise;
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth Thy praise.
Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: Francis Scott Key
Genuine worship begins not with our own effort, but with God's overwhelming grace. When our hearts feel dull or weary, this beloved hymn reminds us that it is the Holy Spirit who ignites true praise within us. As we reflect on how Christ sought us out when we were lost, our cold hearts are rekindled by His pardoning love and perfect peace. Today, let His grace stir your soul to sing with renewed warmth and gratitude.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- Psalm 103:1-3: “Bless Yahweh, O my soul! All that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless Yahweh, O my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits; who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases;”
- Ephesians 2:4-5: “But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”
- Philippians 4:7: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”