Singing the Living Tradition ‎#215

215. Praise to the Living God

1 Praise to the living God!
All praised be The Name,
which was, and is, and is to be,
for aye the same.
The one eternal God
ere aught that now appears:
the first, the last, beyond all thought
or timeless years.

2 Unformed all lovely forms
declare God's loveliness;
no holiness on earth can e'er
The Name express
whose love enfolds us all;
whose laud the earth displays.
Yea, everywhere, above, below,
is perfect praise.

3 The spirit floweth free,
high surging where it will;
in prophet's word did speak of old,
and speaketh still.
The Torah rests secure,
and changeless it shall stand,
deep writ upon the human heart,
on sea, on land.

4 Eternal life hath God
implanted in the soul;
such love shall be our strength and stay
while ages roll.
Praise to the living God!
All praised be The Name
which was, and is, and is to be,
for aye the same.

Text Information

• First Line: Praise to the living God!
• Title: Praise to the Living God
• Author: Daniel Ben Judah, 14th cent.
• Meter: 6.6.8.4.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Jewish and Christian Teachings: The Jewish Spirit; Celebration and Praise; God, Goddess, and Spirit; Rosh Hashanah; Yom Kippur

Tune Information

• Name: LEONI
• Adapter: Meyer Lyon, 1751-1797
• Meter: 6.6.8.4.D.
• Key: f minor
• Source: Synagogue melody