One hymn that expresses thanks is one written by a Norwegian Lutheran pastor from Decorah, Iowa. It was my privilege to serve as vicar in two congregation he founded (among the over thirty he started in Iowa and Minnesota and Wisconsin).
Ulrik V. Koren has been profiled on this forum before, so I won't get into his life here. But his hymn is full of thanks and praise to God and calls on all creation to thank and praise God. This hymn was written even though Koren pastored over 30 churches, founded Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and was president of the Norwegian Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The hymn's tune is not the German variety most Lutherans are used to. It has a feel of an antiphon that the congregation could sing back and forth. I'll set up a possible format for congregational singing of this hymn at the end.
Two refrains echo through each verse: "Glory be to God" and "Sing Praise unto God out of Zion." Each phrase looks to God alone for blessings, providence, and salvation.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and "Sing Praise unto God out of Zion."
"Ye Lands, to the Lord Make a Jubilant Noise"
by Ulrik V. Koren, 1826-1910
Translated by Harriet R. Spaeth, 1845-1925
Text From: The Handbook To The Lutheran Hymnal (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942) p.38-39
1.
Ye lands, to the Lord make a jubilant noise;
Glory be to God!
Oh, serve Him with joy, in His presence now rejoice;
Sing praise unto God out of Zion!
2.
Not we, but the Lord is our Maker, our God;
Glory be to God!
His people we are, and the sheep led by His rod;
Sing praise unto God out of Zion!
3.
Oh, enter His gates with thanksgiving and praise;
Glory be to God!
To bless Him and thank Him our voices we will raise;
Sing praise unto God out of Zion!
4.
For good is the Lord, and His mercy is sure;
Glory be to God!
To all generations His truth shall still endure;
Sing praise unto God out of Zion!
Congregational Setting #1
1.
Pastor: Ye lands, to the Lord make a jubilant noise;
Congregation: Glory be to God!
Pastor: Oh, serve Him with joy, in His presence now rejoice;
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