Praise Ye the Father

“Praise Ye the Father” is a reverent hymn of doxology by Elizabeth Rundle Charles, a writer known for her deep devotional warmth and careful use of Scripture. The hymn calls believers to lift their hearts and voices in joyful praise to the Triune God, with particular emphasis on the loving fatherhood of God and His gracious dealings with His people. Rooted firmly in the language and spirit of the Psalms, the hymn echoes the biblical summons, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Psalm 103:1, KJV), inviting worship that flows from gratitude, awe, and trust.

The text highlights God’s mercy, faithfulness, and sovereign care, presenting praise not merely as an emotional response but as a deliberate act of obedience and faith. Elizabeth Rundle Charles consistently wrote with a pastoral sensitivity, and this hymn reflects her desire to lead singers beyond shallow expressions of worship into thoughtful, Scripture-shaped adoration. The Father is praised as the source of all blessings, the giver of life, and the sustainer of His people, themes that align closely with biblical teaching on God’s providence and covenant love. Praise is portrayed as both a privilege and a duty, uniting believers in a shared confession of God’s goodness.

A notable strength of the hymn is its balance between personal devotion and corporate worship. While the language invites individual reflection, it is clearly suited for congregational singing, drawing the church together in a unified act of praise. This communal emphasis reflects the biblical pattern seen throughout the Psalter, where God’s people are repeatedly called to praise Him together in the assembly of the righteous. The hymn also subtly directs attention toward the eternal horizon, anticipating the unending praise described in Revelation, where every creature joins in glorifying God and the Lamb.

Over time, “Praise Ye the Father” has served as a fitting hymn for services focused on thanksgiving, general praise, and the attributes of God. Its enduring value lies in its clear scriptural foundation, its warm devotional tone, and its call to wholehearted worship. By anchoring praise in the character and works of God, Elizabeth Rundle Charles offers the church a hymn that continues to instruct the mind, stir the heart, and glorify the Father in spirit and in truth.