All Creatures of Our God and King Lyrics
Words by St. Francis, Song by Jonathan Baird and Ryan Baird
Tune Name: LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Composer: German melody (1623)
Meter: LM with Alleluias
Hymnbook Source: Catholic/Protestant hymnals
Jonathan Baird, Ryan Baird
VERSE 1
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!
VERSE 2
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!
VERSE 3
All the redeemed washed by His blood
Come and rejoice in His great love
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Christ has defeated every sin
Cast all your burdens now on Him
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
VERSE 4
He shall return in pow’r to reign
Heaven and earth will join to say
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Then who shall fall on bended knee?
All creatures of our God and King
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | All Creatures of Our God And King |
| Author / Lyricist | St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), translated by William H. Draper (1855–1933) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional German / “Lasst uns erfreuen” (1623) |
| Date Written / Published | Original text 1225; English translation 1919 |
| Historical Context | Originated as a hymn of praise to God in creation; English translation popularized in 20th-century hymnals. |
| Theme / Message | Praise of God by all creation; joy in worshiping God. |
| Notable Features | Simple, rhythmic melody; adaptable for congregational singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Popular in Anglican, Methodist, and general Protestant hymnals; used in both liturgical and festival settings. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Francis of Assisi, Italian Saint & Hymn Writer, 1181–1226 | Traditionally attributed to Francis, the hymn celebrates creation praising God. Scholars note its poetic imagery and universal appeal. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian emphasizes its widespread liturgical use. He observes its enduring popularity in both Europe and America. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley often celebrated God’s creation in hymnody. This hymn mirrors that with its focus on nature’s praise. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale highlights the hymn’s historical translation and musical beauty. He also notes its theological clarity and devotional impact. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton underscores the importance of recognizing God’s glory in creation. He remarks that the hymn encourages both worship and reflection. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint praises the hymn’s suitability for congregational singing. He also emphasizes its poetic structure and devotional richness. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees highlights the hymn’s melodic beauty and accessibility. He notes its effectiveness in drawing worshippers into active praise. |
Prayer: Father, You are Great, and worthy to be praised. Lord Jesus, You created the heavens and the earth and all things were created by you and for you. May you be honored and adored by all your creation, and may people from every tribe, nationality, race, kindred, and tongue come to You and know You as Redeemer, Savior and Lord in Jesus' Name. Amen.
See if you can play the hymn below on our keyboard (It Plays!)
You can also enjoy more great hymns here.
