HOW GREAT THOU ART

"How Great Thou Art" is one of those towering hymns of praise that naturally lifts a congregation to its feet. From the quiet awe of the opening verse—looking out at the stars and hearing the rolling thunder—the song builds into a massive, joyful declaration of God's majesty. For a choir, the transition from the reflective verses into the soaring refrain is always a powerful moment, giving every voice part a chance to swell with conviction.

As the verses progress, the focus shifts from the wonders of the natural world to the profound mystery of salvation—God sending His Son to bear our burdens on the cross. By the time the final verse looks forward to Christ's return with a "shout of acclamation," the choir and congregation are united in a profound sense of hope.

Because of its triumphant tone, this hymn is a favorite choice for a recessional, as noted right on this score. Sending the people out with "Then sings my soul" ringing in their ears leaves the church filled with a spirit of gratitude. It carries the faithful from the sanctuary back out into the world, reminded of the sheer scale of God's creation and His love.