all creatures of our god and king lyrics

All Creatures of Our God and King' - A Hymn Born from Devotion and Nature

The beloved hymn 'All Creatures of Our God and King' has been a staple in Christian worship for centuries, with its beautiful melody and meaningful lyrics inspiring countless souls to praise their Creator. But have you ever stopped to think about the rich history behind this iconic song? Let's take a journey through time and explore how it came to be.

The hymn was harmonized by renowned English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, who was not only a master of music but also an avid collector of folk songs and editor of hymns. The tune that we know today is actually based on a German hymn called 'Lasst Uns Erfreuen', which translates to 'Let Us Rejoice'. This poem, titled 'All Creatures of Our God and King', has become synonymous with devotion and praise.

The lyrics themselves are a testament to the beauty of creation and our place within it. The song's writer, Francis of Assisi, was a man deeply devoted to nature and its Creator. He believed that common people should be able to worship in their own language, not just in Latin, which is why he wrote the poem in the vernacular.

Francis, also known as St. Francis of Assisi, was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy, into a wealthy family. However, he renounced his inheritance and father's wishes to follow his calling, becoming a beggar and roaming the countryside, preaching God's word and singing hymns with joy.

Throughout his life, Francis showed remarkable devotion to nature and its creatures. He was known to preach to birds, urging them to praise their Creator! His love for nature and its beauty is reflected in this very hymn, which speaks of all creation as a testament to God's glory.

In conclusion, 'All Creatures of Our God and King' is more than just a beautiful melody or meaningful lyrics - it's a reflection of devotion, nature, and our place within the grand scheme of creation. The next time you sing this hymn, remember the rich history behind it and the man who penned these timeless words. May they continue to inspire and uplift us for generations to come.

All creatures of our god and king lyrics