This week we go way back in time to choose an inspiring expression of praise which was written in 1225 by Giovanni Bernardone who was later known as Saint Francis of Assisi. He was a medieval monk who spent his lifetime as an itinerant evangelist, preaching and helping the poor people of Italy. Saint Francis was known as a great lover of nature, seeing the hand of God in all creation. Somebody once wrote, "Saint Francis came to preach - with smiles he met the friendless, fed the poor, freed a trapped bird, led home a child; Although he spoke no word - his text, God's love, the town did not forget." This hymn is from one of his writings entitled "Canticles of the Sun" said to have been written one hot summer day, one year before his death, while he was very ill and suffering the loss of his eyesight. Throughout his life Saint Francis made use of singing and believed strongly in the importance of church music. In all he wrote more than sixty hymns for use in the monastery. This beautiful expression of praise is one that survived the passing of these several hundred years. The English translation of the text was made by William Draper who prepared this paraphrased version for a children's choir festival in England some time between 1899 - 1919. The tune first appeared in a Roman Catholic hymnal in Germany in 1623. Enjoy it this week as you worship our great God and King.
(1) 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!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(2) 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!
(3) Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(4) 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!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(5) 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!
You can listen to it here. LISTEN
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