We Praise Thee, O God
A Sermon based on the Hymn by
William P. Mackay
Introduction:
“We Praise Thee, O God” is a stirring hymn of revival, thanksgiving, and
spiritual restoration. Written by William P. Mackay in the 19th century,
this beloved song voices a congregation’s united joy for the presence of
Christ and the power of salvation. Based on Psalm 85:6—“Will You not
revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”—the hymn serves
both as a song of gratitude and a prayer for renewed devotion. It
celebrates Jesus as the risen Savior and humbly acknowledges our daily
need for spiritual rekindling. Each verse lifts our eyes upward in
worship while calling our hearts inward to reflect on what true praise
and revival mean.
Stanza 1: “We praise Thee, O
God! For the Son of Thy love, For Jesus who died, and is now gone
above.”
The first stanza expresses the foundation of Christian praise—gratitude
for Jesus Christ. God is to be praised not merely for earthly blessings
but for the gift of His Son. John 3:16 reminds us that the Father’s love
is seen most clearly in the giving of Jesus. He died for our sins and
now reigns in glory (Acts 2:33). Our praise is not shallow emotion—it is
rooted in gospel truth. The resurrection of Jesus assures us that death
is defeated and heaven is real. Therefore, we raise our voices in praise
to the God who loved us enough to send His Son.
Stanza 2: “We praise Thee, O
God! For Thy Spirit of light, Who has shown us our Savior and scattered
our night.”
This verse gives thanks for the Holy Spirit’s role in illuminating our
hearts. Without the Spirit’s work through the inspired Word, we would
remain in spiritual darkness. The Spirit reveals Christ (John 16:13–14)
and convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
The “night” of ignorance and sin is scattered by the light of divine
revelation (Psalm 119:105). It is by the Spirit, working through the
Scriptures, that we see Jesus for who He truly is: Savior, Lord, and
King. Praise is due to God for not leaving us in darkness but giving us
the truth that saves.
Stanza 3: “All glory and
praise to the Lamb that was slain, Who has borne all our sins and has
cleansed every stain.”
Now the praise turns specifically to the Lamb—Jesus Christ—who bore our
sins. Revelation 5:12 calls Him “worthy… to receive power and riches and
wisdom… and glory.” This is not generic worship—it is personal and
specific. He bore “all our sins” and cleansed “every stain.” Isaiah 1:18
says, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as
snow.” The blood of Christ purifies completely (1 John 1:7). This verse
reminds us not to downplay our sin, but to rejoice in the perfect
cleansing offered by Christ. We praise the Lamb because He has made us
clean.
Stanza 4: “Revive us again;
fill each heart with Thy love; May each soul be rekindled with fire from
above.”
This final stanza is a prayer for revival. The plea is not just for
energy or excitement, but for a renewal of love. True revival begins in
the heart—with a deeper love for God, His Word, and His people. Romans
5:5 says, “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy
Spirit.” We ask God to rekindle our zeal, just as Paul urged Timothy to
“fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Revival does not come
from better programs—it comes from broken hearts turned back to the Lord
in prayer, purity, and passion.
Chorus: “Hallelujah! Thine the
glory. Hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah! Thine the glory—revive us again.”
The chorus is the anthem of the revived soul. “Hallelujah” means “praise
the Lord.” “Thine the glory” affirms that all credit belongs to God.
This joyful refrain repeats not for emphasis alone but because true
revival overflows in worship. The cry “Revive us again!” is a call for
continuous renewal. As 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Though our outward man
is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” Revival
is not a one-time event—it is a daily return to the Lord.
We Praise Thee, O God Sermon
Outline:
Stanza 1: Praise for the Risen
Son
-
God gave His Son in love: John
3:16
-
Jesus died and now reigns
above: Acts 2:33
-
Our praise is rooted in gospel
reality
Stanza 2: Gratitude for the
Spirit’s Light
-
The Spirit reveals Christ: John
16:13–14
-
Convicts us of truth: John 16:8
-
God's Word brings light to the
soul: Psalm 119:105
Stanza 3: Glory to the Slain
Lamb
-
Jesus bore our sins completely:
1 Peter 2:24
-
He cleansed every stain: Isaiah
1:18, 1 John 1:7
-
All glory belongs to Him:
Revelation 5:12
Stanza 4: A Plea for Personal
and Congregational Revival
-
Revival starts with love:
Romans 5:5
-
Rekindled by fire from above: 2
Timothy 1:6
-
A heart renewed in obedience
and worship
Chorus: The Cry of a Renewed
Heart
-
“Hallelujah” is joyful praise:
Psalm 150:6
-
“Thine the glory” gives credit
to God: 1 Corinthians 10:31
-
“Revive us again” is our daily
need: 2 Corinthians 4:16
Call to Action:
Has your heart grown cold? Are you going through the motions of faith
without the fire of devotion? Let this hymn stir your soul again. Return
to the foot of the cross. Be reminded of the Son who died for you, the
Spirit who leads you, and the Lamb who cleanses you. Praise God for your
salvation—and plead with Him to revive you again. Confess your sins,
renew your commitment, and let God set your soul ablaze once more. And
if you’ve never obeyed the gospel, today is the day to be cleansed,
forgiven, and revived by God’s mercy and grace.
Scripture Reference List:
Psalm 85:6 – Will You not revive us again?
John 3:16 – God so loved the world, He gave His Son
Acts 2:33 – Jesus exalted at the right hand of God
John 16:8, 13–14 – The Spirit convicts and reveals truth
Psalm 119:105 – Your Word is a lamp to my feet
Isaiah 1:18 – Sins made white as snow
1 John 1:7 – The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin
Revelation 5:12 – Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Romans 5:5 – The love of God poured into our hearts
2 Timothy 1:6 – Fan into flame the gift of God
2 Corinthians 4:16 – Inward man renewed day by day
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do all to the glory of God
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord
Song Author Credit:
“We Praise Thee, O God” was written by
William Paton Mackay
(1839–1885), a Scottish physician turned preacher. After a dramatic
conversion to Christianity, he dedicated his life to preaching and hymn
writing. This song remains one of his most enduring works, calling
congregations to heartfelt thanksgiving and spiritual revival.
Song History:
Originally written in the mid-1800s and set to the tune “Revive Us
Again” by John J. Husband, this hymn quickly became a favorite in
revival meetings and churches across the United States. Known for its
joyful chorus and clear theology, it remains a timeless call to renewed
devotion and praise.
Prepared by David Hersey of
the church of Christ at Granby, MO
Full
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