I want to start posting the words to some of my favorite hymns on the weekends. There are a lot of new songs that contain good, edifying, theologically rich lyrics, but – in general – these contemporary songs leave much to be desired in content. So, I tend to prefer the older songs.
All Creatures of Our God and King was written by St. Francis of Assisi and translated by William H. Draper.
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!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!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!
Apparently, Francis of Assisi said some good things. I found a prayer of his this weekend and used it as my post for my spiritual springboard at my main blog on Monday.
Hear, hear! We sometimes tend to dismiss people like St. Francis because they’re, well, Catholic. Truth is found in many places, though. And all truth is God’s truth.
So don’t be afraid, Ben (or Edwin). If it’s the truth, we need to hear it!
Blessings to you,
Chris