MEINE HOFFNUNG received its name from its association with Joachim Neander's (PHH 244) text "Meine Hoffnung stehet feste" ("All My Hope on God Is Founded"). The tune was published with Newton's text in Neander's Alpha and Omega (1680). (The chorale found in Johann S. Bach's Cantata 40 is very loosely based on MEINE HOFFNUNG.)

To reflect the emphases in the text, sing stanzas 1 and 3 in unison and stanzas 2 and 4 in harmony. Singers and accompanists should note the built-in ritardando in the final long line; no further expressive device needs to be added in the final stanza.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook