This rewording of Psalm 103 was written by James Montgomery. He was editor of the Sheffield Iris (1796-1827), a newspaper that sometimes espoused radical causes. Montgomery was imprisoned briefly when he printed a song that celebrated the fall of the Bastille and again when he described a riot in Sheffield that reflected unfavourably on a military commander. He also protested against slavery, the lot of boy chimney sweeps, and lotteries. Associated with Christians of various persuasions, Montgomery supported missions and the British Bible Society. He published eleven volumes of poetry, mainly his own, and at least four hundred hymns¹.

O my soul with all thy powers,
bless the Lord’s most holy name.
O my soul till life’s last hours,
bless the Lord, His praise proclaim.
Thine infirmities He healed,
He thy peace and pardon sealed.
O my soul! with all thy powers
Bless the Lord’s most holy name

He with loving-kindness crowned thee,
Satisfied thy mouth with good.
From the snares of death unbound thee,
Eagle-like thy youth renewed.
Rich in tender mercy He,
Slow to wrath, to favour free.
O my soul! with all thy powers
Bless the Lord’s most holy name.

Refrain
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul

He will not retain displeasure,
Though awhile He hide His face.
Nor His God-like bounty measure,
By our merit, but His grace.
As the heaven the earth transcends,
Over us His care extends.
O my soul! with all thy powers
Bless the Lord’s most holy name.

Far as east and west are parted,
He our sins hath severed thus.
As a father, loving-hearted,
Spares his son, He spareth us.
For He knows our feeble frame,
He remembers whence we came.
O my soul! with all thy powers
Bless the Lord’s most holy name

Refrain

From eternity enduring,
To eternity, the Lord.
Still His people’s bliss insuring,
Keeps His covenanted word
Yea, with truth and righteousness,
Children’s children He will bless.
O my soul! with all thy powers
Bless the Lord’s most holy name.

As in heaven, His throne and dwelling,
King on earth He holds His sway.
Angels, ye in strength excelling,
Bless the Lord, His voice obey.
All His works across the Earth,
Bless the Lord, proclaim His worth.
O my soul! with all thy powers
Bless the Lord’s most holy name.

Refrain

¹hymnary.org/person/Montgomery_James