All Creatures of Our God and King

There are certain Christian Hymns that come to my mind when out hiking in the wilderness and studying God’s creation.

One of these, All Creatures of Our God and King, is among my all time favorites.  It is a gentle song that can be sung quietly, but with great passion.

The words were composed by St. Francis of Assis around the year 1225 AD, and I have to wonder whether these verses played any inspirational role in creating the verses of the hymn:

“Let Heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move in them.” Psalm 69:34

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard.  Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.” Psalm 19:1-6 (NASB)

Try to imagine the most beautiful places you’ve visited on the most beautiful days while camping or hiking, and then either read through the lyrics to this hymn, or click on the embedded video link to hear the hymn sung acapella.

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!

Refrain:
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!
Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
Refrain

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!
Refrain

NOTE: Scouts don’t need to be “Christian” to be involved in scouting, but in our Troop, our families do share a common faith practice so we enjoy learning about hymns and historical accounts from the Bible that complement our efforts in scouting.