This Is My Father's World
A pastor's celebration of God's presence shining through every part of creation.
Download PDFA pastor's celebration of God's presence shining through every part of creation. Written by Maltbie D. Babcock (1901), set to the tune "Terra Beata" by Franklin L. Sheppard.
Suggested pairing scripture
Psalm 24:1
"The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
Read Psalm 24:1 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "This Is My Father's World." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing at Thanksgiving, year-end services, and anniversaries that recall God's faithful care.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.
Stanza 2
This is my Father's world, The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.
Stanza 3
This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father's world: The battle is not done; Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and heaven be one.
History & Background
Presbyterian pastor Maltbie Babcock, who served churches in Lockport, NY and Baltimore, often hiked the cliffs above Lake Ontario, telling his wife he was 'going out to see my Father's world.' The poem was published posthumously in 1901 after his sudden death at age 42. Franklin Sheppard adapted an English folk melody for it in 1915.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Psalm 24:1
"The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."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
Why did Babcock call it 'my Father's world'?
Before his daily walks above Lake Ontario, he told his wife he was 'going out to see my Father's world' — a phrase he meant literally, viewing every part of creation as belonging to and revealing his heavenly Father.
Related Hymns
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Related Reading
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This Is My Father's World
Maltbie D. Babcock • 1901
O Worship the King
Robert Grant • 1833
Psalm 8:1 Commentary
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Psalm 103:1 — Meaning & Devotional
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Psalm 100:4 — Meaning & Devotional
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Psalm 34:1 Commentary
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "This Is My Father's World"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
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