Great Hymns of The Faith: All Creatures of Our God and King
By John Michael Luther, Christian and composer
All Creatures of Our God and King: by St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
The text of this hymn can be traced back to a man whose name was Giovanni Bernardone, but he became known as St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226).
A popular story tells of him stopping to preach a sermon to a flock of birds. He reminded them that God had blessed them with beautiful clothing even though they had never learned to spin or weave, and that God had blessed them with food even though they had never learned to sow or reap. Then, he called them to sing their songs as praises to God.
He wrote more than 60 hymns to express this praise; “All Creatures of Our God and King” is one of his greatest expressions of joy. It stems from St. Francis’ poem, “Canticle of the Sun,” which is based on Psalm 148. There are also references to Psalm 145.
In 1226, Francis was dying and knew he had a short time left on earth. He stopped by the St. Damian Convent to say farewell to Sister Clara, who had inspired him to take a vow of poverty years before. He had been completely blind, unable to distinguish light at all. It was there at the convent that he wrote and finished his Canticle.
William Draper (1855-1933), rector of a Church of England parish at Adel near Leeds, translated the words into English. He then paraphrased the words and set it to the tune “Lasst unserfreuen,” a German Easter hymn published by Friedrich Spee in 1623.
Draper then published “All Creatures of Our God and King” between 1899 and 1919.
British composer Ralph Vaughn Williams edited the English Hymnal in 1906.
Williams once said that he had settled into a “comfortable agnosticism.” Asked then why he went to all the trouble to do the editing he said that he wanted it to be done correctly. He also said about his own composing that he had folksongs and hymns in his mind all the time.
He included folksong melodies and modes by himself and other British composers such as Thomas Tallis, Gustav Holst and John Ireland. Williams included his arrangement of “All Creatures of Our God and King” in the English Hymnal and that is the version we are accustomed to today.
British composer Gordon Jacob wrote his “Fantasia on The Alleluia Hymn” for orchestra in 1949 and it is based on the “All Creatures of Our God and King” melody. It was performed at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. I have been privileged to conduct this work. It is indeed thrilling.
Each stanza concludes with a three-fold repetition of the word “Alleluia!” This is a form of the Hebrew term that means “Praise Jehovah!” or “Praise the Lord.” As one considers the beauty of the universe and God’s provisions for our benefit and enjoyment that he has placed on this earth for us, we must express our praise to Him.
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
O praise Him, Alleluia
Thou burning sun with golden beam
Thou silver moon with softer gleam
O praise Him, O praise Him
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along
O praise Him, Alleluia
Thou rising moon in praise rejoice
Ye lights of evening find a voice
O praise Him, O praise Him
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
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
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son
And praise the Spirit, three in one
O praise Him, O praise Him
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
