By He Reads Truth
Of all the monastic saints, we see reminders of Saint Francis of Assisi the most. He is immortalized in backyards everywhere as a stone lawn statue, usually cradling a bird or comforting a fawn. And there is truth behind the sculptures; Francis was actually very well known for his care and attention to animals. In fact, his enthusiasm for preaching the gospel and his love for animals occasionally drove him to go so far as to preach sermons to flocks of birds.
In 1226, with his vision failing and his life nearing its end, he wrote a poem titled “The Canticle of the Sun.” In his weakened state, he celebrated the psalmic call for all creation to praise God as Creator (Psalm 19).
Saint Francis was always keen on unity with nature. In fact, in his original version of this hymn he referred to creation as family: brother sun, sister water, brother fire, mother earth, brother wind, and sister moon (Bailey 264). Although some English translations maintain those sentiments, when William Draper translated it from Latin to English in 1910 for a children’s festival, he paraphrased the original poem, leaving out references to any familial relationships with creation.
We can all join with creation to say, “Hallelujah!” and praise God for His creative goodness. We can sing with the psalmist in Psalm 148, praising God with the stars and the waters, the sea monsters, lightning, and clouds. Let us join together to praise and honor the Lord of heaven and earth.
All Creatures of Our God and King
William Draper
All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing:,
alleluia, alleluia!
O burning sun with golden beam,
and shining moon with silver gleam,
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
O rushing wind so wild and strong,
white clouds that sail in heaven along,
alleluia, alleluia!
New rising dawn in praise rejoice;
you lights of evening find a voice:
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Cool flowing water, pure and clear,
make music for your Lord to hear:
alleluia, alleluia!
Fierce fire, so masterful and bright,
providing us with warmth and light.
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Earth ever fertile, day by day
bring forth your blessings on our way;
alleluia, alleluia!
All flowers and fruits that is you grow,
let the his glory also show;
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
All you who are of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part;
alleluia, alleluia!
All you who pain and sorrow bear,
praise God and on him cast your care;
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness,
alleluia, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, Three in One:
O praise him, O praise him,
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Bailey, Albert Edward. The Gospel in Hymns: Backgrounds and Interpretations. New York: Scribner, 1950.
7 thoughts on "All Creatures of Our God and King"
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Melvin Farr says:
It’s not difficult to see that God designed all the Earth and everything upon it. His majesty is so intricate in its design that all creatures and all things seem to be inter dependent upon one another and yet totally dependent on God.
I regret each day I miss being out in the wilderness with nature as that is where my heart seems to be at most peace. Yet in the hurriedness of the day and the responsibility of being a father and husband I cannot escape and just go and be in splice with Gods creation.
Glory be to God on high
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Kade Beasley says:
His mercies are new today…..
HALLELUJAH! He has RISEN! Our God, the God of Abraham, who came to earth in the flesh has RISEN! Make today a declaration to rejoice in the name of Jesus! Spend time with your King and worship in awe of the majesty. He is our rock. He has saved us from a huge amount of debt that we could never repay. Forgive others just as he has forgiven others of our debt. Love others just as He has loved us. Remember that our God is the God of miracles and He can do anything and so can you. “I can do anything through Christ who gives me strength” – Phillipians 4:13 -
Jared Phillips says:
Creation is as much in praise of the Lord our God as we are. With each passing day and with each life-changing event, creation has stood firm in their praise and adoration. Maybe we can take some notes from them. Stay steadfast in your praise and adoration. O praise Him, O praise Him, O praise Him!!
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Logan says:
How often do I forget that God created everything? Too often. How often do I take for granted the miracle God performed in creation? Too often. We should praise Him without ceasing for all of creation. Without Him, we truly have no chance of existence.
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Chad Molen says:
I get so wrapped in my own issues that fail to both acknowledge God in his sovereign control but to praise him for all he has done, is doing, and will do. All of creation worships him and as his child I will do so as well.
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Dustin says:
All of creation groans for the Father and yearns for His love. We were all created to praise and glorify the Lord. The very earth cries out to the Father. How much more should I, being created in His image?
Lord, let Your praise and worship be on my lips. Let Your joy fill my heart and let Your wisdom guide my steps. All things are cause for praise to You, whether joy or pain. You are holy and anointed and I praise You.
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Brian says:
I notice how people feel most at peace when they are one with nature. It makes sense because God made us along with all creation. And in nature’s entire existence, we marvel at His creation and we see His beauty in it. God’s creation has been constantly giving Him glory. No wonder God said if we do not worship Him, the rocks will cry out instead. As a child of God, I shall worship Him constantly.
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