As a mark of respect, today we’re devoting the site to playing Charles Kennedy’s Desert Island Discs in hourly portions.
Disc number five: “Praise my soul, the king of heaven”, which Charles’ fondly recalled being sung at his wedding to Sarah. He said that Sarah and him were standing at the altar and the congregation of their family and friends “just went full whack” singing this as the opening hymn. He said it sends a “tremor” down his spine everytime he hears it.
Below the video we have reproduced the words of this hymn. They were written by Henry.F.Lyte.
Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven by Henry F. Lyte
Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing:
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King.Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress;
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness.Fatherlike He tends and spares us,
Well our feeble frame He knows;
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!Widely yet His mercy flows.
Frail as summer’s flow’r we flourish,
Blows the wind and it is gone;
But while mortals rise and perish,
Our God lives unchanging on.
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Praise the high Eternal One!Angels, help us to adore Him,
Ye behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before Him;
Dwellers all in time and space,
Praise Him, praise Him, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace.