All Creatures of Our God and King

Jonathan Anderson • July 13, 2025

“All Creatures of Our God and King” is a hymn that lifts the heart upward. It’s full of praise, wonder, and joy — a call for all creation to glorify the Lord. There’s something about the way the melody rises and the words soar that makes it feel like a celebration. Even when played instrumentally, the hymn carries a sense of light and reverence.

The Story Behind the Hymn

The original words go all the way back to the 13th century. St. Francis of Assisi, a Christian monk known for his humility and love for nature, wrote a poem called the Canticle of the Sun — praising God through the beauty of His creation: the sun, moon, wind, fire, and even death. Centuries later, in the early 1900s, William H. Draper, an English pastor, paraphrased the poem and set it to music as a hymn for his church.


It was eventually matched with the tune Lasst Uns Erfreuen, a melody from 17th-century Germany. This combination — ancient words and timeless music — is what gave us the version we sing today. From large choirs to small country churches, “All Creatures of Our God and King” has become a joyful anthem of praise.


What Makes It Powerful

Unlike many hymns that focus on personal experience or struggle, this one turns our attention outward and upward. It reminds us that everything God has made — every bird, breeze, and star — exists to glorify Him. The lyrics echo the spirit of the Psalms, calling all creation to lift its voice in worship.


A passage that reflects this heart of worship is Psalm 148:3–5 (NIV):


Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created.

This hymn invites us to join in with that eternal song — not just with our voices, but with our lives.


My Violin Cover

When arranging “All Creatures of Our God and King” for violin, I wanted to keep its bright, almost dancing rhythm. It’s a hymn that feels alive, and I didn’t want to weigh it down. My goal was to let the melody carry that sense of rising praise — simple, joyful, and clear.



With Violin Hymns, I always aim to stay close to the spirit of the original, and this hymn made that easy. It practically sings on its own.


Listen and Reflect

The video is just below. As you listen, take a moment to look around — the world God made is singing. Whether it’s the rustling leaves, the sky above, or the stillness in your own heart, all creation is praising its Maker. Join in that praise. Lift up your voice, or simply let your soul agree — all creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing.

Lyrics


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!


Thou rushing wind that art so strong,

Ye clouds that sail in Heav’n 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!


Thou flowing water, pure and clear,

Make music for thy Lord to hear,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou fire so masterful and bright,

That givest man both warmth and light:


O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!


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!


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!

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