Daily, Daily Sing the Praises (City of God)

“Daily, Daily Sing the Praises,” also known as “City of God,” is a hymn about the believer's hope of eternal life in the presence of God. Written by Sabine Baring-Gould in 1865, the hymn paints a vivid picture of the heavenly city, drawing on biblical descriptions of the New Jerusalem, the garden of Eden, and the glorious reign of Jesus Christ. Its opening stanza invites Christians to sing continually about the city God has prepared, whose foundations are associated with the beauty of Eden. The repeated refrain expresses a longing to rise above the limitations of earthly life and enter the eternal home promised to God's people. The hymn was first printed on a card for St. John's Mission at Horbury Bridge, Yorkshire, in 1865, and later appeared in the Church Times that same year. It was subsequently included in The People's Hymnal in 1867 and many other hymn collections.

The first stanza introduces the heavenly city as a place of beauty and divine preparation. The image of Eden connects the future hope of believers with the paradise described at the beginning of Scripture. The hymn presents heaven not merely as an escape from earthly trouble, but as the fulfilment of God's purpose for His people. Revelation 21:1-4 describes the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with His people and removes death, sorrow, crying, and pain. This promise gives Christian hope a firm foundation: the future is not governed by suffering and decay, but by God's final victory and the restoration of His creation.

The following stanzas develop the vision of the city through images of gold, abundant treasures, joyful voices, peaceful resting places, and the presence of Jesus Christ. These descriptions echo Revelation 21 and 22, where the New Jerusalem is portrayed as a city of extraordinary splendour, illuminated by God's glory and marked by the presence of the Lamb. The hymn's emphasis on Christ reigning in the midst of the city is especially important. Heaven's greatest blessing is not simply its beauty or freedom from suffering, but fellowship with the Lord Himself. The angels worship around Christ, while the redeemed share in the joy of His eternal kingdom.

The hymn also addresses the believer's longing to be reunited with those who have gone before in faith. This hope is expressed through the anticipation of meeting loved ones on the blessed shore. Such imagery offers comfort to Christians who grieve, while keeping the focus on the greater promise of eternal life with Christ. Scripture encourages believers to grieve with hope because those who belong to Christ look forward to resurrection and life in His presence. John 14:1-3 records Jesus' promise to prepare a place for His disciples and to receive them unto Himself. The hymn's heavenly vision therefore encourages steadfast faith during earthly trials and reminds worshippers that their present journey is not the end of their story.

The closing stanza expresses a desire to hear the songs of heaven and catch a glimpse of the glory that awaits God's people. This longing is not intended to encourage neglect of earthly responsibilities. Rather, the hope of heaven gives believers courage to live faithfully in the present, knowing that their labour in the Lord is not in vain. The hymn is especially suitable for services focused on heaven, eternal life, Christian hope, funerals, and the promise of resurrection. Its vivid imagery and memorable refrain have helped it remain a valued expression of the Christian hope of dwelling forever with God.