While our American tradition of observing Thanksgiving is not a holy holiday, it is an opportune time to pause and be thankful. A heart filled with gratitude makes all the difference. It soothes the soul when loneliness or hurt or depression rule the day. A spirit of thankfulness promotes humility and joy and selflessness, while at the same time consuming the sin that misshapes our hearts. All of these move us closer to holiness and into greater communion with our Heavenly Father.
Whether we need help recovering gratitude or just want to borrow someone else’s words, this hymn will do the job. May these lyrics enlarge our capacity for gratitude to the One who has been exceedingly kind and generous to us beyond all measure.
All Creatures of Our God and King is a hymn that has been sung in churches for centuries. It is thought that St. Francis of Assis based it upon Psalm 148. If you are having trouble finding a thankful spirit, music has a way of stirring the heart.
This link will take you to a recording of the hymn. [Note, YouTube does not always cooperate with our blogs.]
Happy, Happy Thanksgiving from The Collaborative!
ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING
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 Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
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.
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.
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!
And thou most kind and gentle Death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.
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!
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: William H. Draper Words Only
All Creatures of Our God and King lyrics © Calandrelli Music, Works By Stone Angel Music
