Comment on a Hymn

'O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing'

Let's just focus on the title of this hymn, 'O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing'. Why this? Wesley is lamenting that he has but one tongue. He is sure that it would be so much better if he had not just one tongue, but a thousand tongues to sing his Redeemer's praise. This reflects the passionate adoration that Wesley felt as he considered what Jesus had done for him.

Wesley wants to be clear about what it is that his Redeemer has done, what it is that he is praising Him for. So, he mentions some of those amazing deeds in the hymn. Singing this hymn gives us opportunity to imitate Wesley in his passion for Jesus.

O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer’s praise,

The glories of my God and king,

The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious master and my God,

Assist me to proclaim,

To spread through all the earth abroad

The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

That bids our sorrows cease;

’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,

’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,

He sets the prisoner free;

His blood can make the foulest clean,

His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice,

New life the dead receive,

The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,

The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,

Your loosened tongues employ;

Ye blind, behold your Savior come,

And leap, ye lame, for joy.