559

Ten Thousand Reasons

Scripture References

Further Reflections on Scripture References

See how Psalm 148 is the primary reference, but a similar thought is found in Psalms 8, 33, 104, and 135. In addition, God’s provocative questions to Job in Job 38-41 aim to stir similar praise, awe and humility. However, back in Genesis 1 and 2 we are motivated to do the same.

559

Ten Thousand Reasons

Words of Praise

Worthy of praise from every mouth,
Of confession from every tongue,
Of worship from every creature,
Is Your glorious name, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
Who created the world in Your grace
And by Your compassion saved the world.
To Your majesty, O God, ten thousand times ten thousand
Bown down and adore, singing and praising without ceasing and saying,
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts;
Heaven and earth are full of Your praises;
Hosanna in the highest. Amen.
— Nestorian liturgy, 5th century
559

Ten Thousand Reasons

Tune Information

Recordings

Musical Suggestion

Piano Only Accompaniment
Introduction and tempo:
  • Be sure to begin the introduction with a steady, somewhat slow quarter note beat. Internalize the eighth note pulse from the words of the Refrain to get the correct tempo. 
— Diane Dykgraaf
559

Ten Thousand Reasons

Hymn Story/Background

This song originated from a simply melody line based on the words “Bless the Lord,” written by Jonas Myrin, who played it for his good friend, Matt Redman. Redman loved the chorus, noting that it fit really well with Psalm 103. The song came together quite quickly, and the verses, like the psalm, list reasons to bless the Lord. This list only scratches the surface, of course, for there are 10,000 reasons the soul could find to praise our God. The use of “10,000” mirrors Amazing Grace, making the song instantly accessible. Redman says he was intrigued by the different facets of the word “bless.” When we are blessed by God, we are added to. But God is perfect and complete, and so in the chorus, we can only praise him for his blessings to us.
— Laura de Jong

Author and Composer Information

Matt Redman (b. February 14, 1974) began leading worship full-time at age 20, serving churches in Chorleywood, Brighton, West Sussex, and Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked with Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio for the Passion Conferences. He is known for songs such as “The Heart of Worship,” “Better is One Day,” and “Blessed Be Your Name.” His 2012 song “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” co-written with Jonas Myrin, won two Grammy awards in 2013. Redman has written a number of books, including Mirror Ball and The Unquenchable Worshipper. He and his wife Beth have five children, and are currently based at St. Peters Church in Brighton, England.
 
 
— Laura de Jong

Jonas Myrin (b. Örebro, Sweden) attended Risbergska Skolan High School, and afterward moved to London to study Drama and Music. He started playing the piano at age 11 and soon after began writing his own music. While at college he began leading worship with Hillsong London, and has since co-written songs with Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matt Redman, with whom he won two Grammys for the song “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord).” Myrin has also written music for mainstream artists Natasha Bedingfield and SnowPatrol. His first solo album, Dreams Plans Everything is to be released in 2013.
— Laura de Jong

You can view this hymn by purchasing it in our Lift Up Your Hearts mobile app.

Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play

Due to copyright restrictions, we cannot display this hymn on our website or provide printable copies of it.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us