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    All Creatures of Our God and King

    Francis of Assisi (1225); William H. Draper (1919) 1225 Tune: Lasst uns erfreuen (L.M. with alleluias)

    A jubilant call for all creation to praise the Lord.

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    Quick Answer

    A jubilant call for all creation to praise the Lord. Written by Francis of Assisi (1225); William H. Draper (1919) (1225), set to the tune "Lasst uns erfreuen" by 16th-century German melody.

    Suggested pairing scripture

    Psalm 148:3

    "Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light."

    Read Psalm 148:3 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "All Creatures of Our God and King." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

    Read in context

    When to sing this

    Sing at outdoor services, harvest festivals, and gatherings that lift up the Creator's handiwork.

    Lyrics

    Stanza 1

    All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

    Stanza 2

    Thou rushing wind that art so strong, Ye clouds that sail in heaven along, O praise Him, Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening, find a voice, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

    Stanza 3

    Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him, Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

    History & Background

    Based on Francis of Assisi's 'Canticle of the Sun' (1225), translated into English by William H. Draper around 1919. The exuberant tune 'Lasst uns erfreuen' first appeared in Cologne in 1623.

    Scripture Behind the Hymn

    Psalm 148:3

    "Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light."
    Read in context

    Psalm 150:6

    "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD."
    Read in context

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did Francis of Assisi really write this hymn?

    Francis wrote the underlying 'Canticle of the Sun' in 1225. The English hymn we sing today is William Draper's free paraphrase from around 1919.

    Related Hymns

    Other hymns that share themes or scripture with All Creatures of Our God and King.

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