thanksgiving

creation

praise

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliott S. Pierpoint 1864 Tune: Dix (7.7.7.7.7.7)

A thanksgiving hymn for creation, family, and the gifts of God.

Quick Answer

A thanksgiving hymn for creation, family, and the gifts of God. Written by Folliott S. Pierpoint (1864), set to the tune "Dix" by Conrad Kocher.

Suggested pairing scripture

James 1:17

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Read James 1:17 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "For the Beauty of the Earth." 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

For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

Stanza 2

For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flower, Sun and moon, and stars of light: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

Stanza 3

For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mind's delight, For the mystic harmony Linking sense to sound and sight: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

Stanza 4

For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth, and friends above, For all gentle thoughts and mild: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

Stanza 5

For Thy Church that evermore Lifteth holy hands above, Offering up on every shore Her pure sacrifice of love: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

History & Background

Folliott Pierpoint wrote the hymn in 1864 at age 29 while sitting on a hilltop near Bath, England in springtime, overwhelmed by the surrounding beauty. Originally a eucharistic hymn, the refrain was later changed from 'Christ, our God, to Thee we raise' to the more general 'Lord of all, to Thee we raise.' Set to Conrad Kocher's tune 'Dix' (1838).

Scripture Behind the Hymn

James 1:17

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Read in context

Psalm 19:1

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this hymn written for Thanksgiving?

No — Pierpoint wrote it in springtime England as a eucharistic (Communion) hymn, but its themes of creation and gratitude have made it a standard Thanksgiving hymn in North America.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with For the Beauty of the Earth.

O Worship the King

Robert Grant · 1833

Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Henry Francis Lyte · 1834

This Is My Father's World

Maltbie D. Babcock · 1901

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliott S. Pierpoint • 1864

Fairest Lord Jesus

Anonymous (German, 17th century) • 1677

Psalm 100:4 — Meaning & Devotional

Praise & Worship

Psalm 34:1 Commentary

In-depth study • Praise and Worship

Psalm 8:1 Commentary

In-depth study • Worship & Praise

Prayer of Gratitude (Psalm 100)

A joyful prayer of thanksgiving rooted in Psalm 100.

Where to go next

Enjoyed "For the Beauty of the Earth"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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