Michael Perry (1942-1996) was born in Beckenham, Kent, England and was a Church of England clergyman and one of the leading British hymnodists of the 20th century. He worked as editor and director of Jubilate Hymns until an inoperable brain tumour led to his untimely death in December 1996. Perry used the tune for the British stately song “I Vow To Thee My Country” (which is often sung at Remembrance Day services, and Princess Diana requested it for her wedding in 1981) and created a majestic hymn of praise that is biblically rooted¹. I really love the words to this hymn, and you could easily use it to begin your church services, or your time of devotion with the Lord.

O God, beyond all praising,
We worship you today
And sing the love amazing
That songs cannot repay;
For we can only wonder
At every gift you send,
At blessings without number
And mercies without end:
We lift our hearts before you
And wait upon your word,
We honour and adore you,
Our great and mighty Lord.

Then hear, O gracious Saviour,
Accept the love we bring,
That we who know your favour
May serve you as our king;
And whether our tomorrows
Be filled with good or ill,
We’ll triumph through our sorrows
And rise to bless you still:
To marvel at your beauty
And glory in your ways,
And make a joyful duty
Our sacrifice of praise.

¹umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-o-god-beyond-all-praising