Today’s hymn of God’s everlasting grace could benefit from faster singing. The recording here is standard for hymn singing over the last several decades, but we don’t have to stick to its tempo. Speed it up by a quarter or more, and it will feel much more joyful.

The text is adaptation of Psalm 40 by the writers of The Psalter, 1912. The tune was written by Sir Joseph Barnby of London (1838-1896).

“He put new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the LORD.” (Ps 40:3 ESV)

1 I waited for the Lord Most High,
and he inclined to hear my cry;
he took me from destruction’s pit
and from the miry clay;
upon a rock he set my feet,
and steadfast made my way.

2 A new and joyful song of praise
he taught my thankful heart to raise;
and many, seeing me restored,
shall fear the Lord and trust;
and blest are they that trust the Lord,
the humble and the just.

3 O Lord my God, how manifold
your wondrous works which I behold,
and all your loving, gracious thought
you have bestowed on man;
to count thy mercies I have sought,
but boundless is their span.

4 Before your people I confess
the wonders of your righteousness;
you know, O Lord, that I have made
your great salvation known,
your truth and faithfulness displayed,
your loving-kindness shown.

5 Withhold not now your grace from me,
O Lord, your mercy let me see,
to me your loving-kindness show,
your truth be still my stay;
let them preserve me where I go,
and keep me ev’ry day.

6 Let all who seek to see your face
be glad and joyful in your grace;
let those who your salvation love
forevermore proclaim;
O praise the Lord who dwells above,
and magnify his name.