All Creatures of Our God and King

Author: Francis of Assisi (1182–1226)
English Translation: William H. Draper (1855–1933)
Music: From the Geistliche Kirchengesang (1623)
Tune Name: "Lasst uns erfreuen"
Meter: LMA (8.8.8.8 with Alleluias)
Scripture Reference: Psalm 145:10–11
"All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power."

This well-loved hymn of praise, found in virtually every modern hymnal, traces its origins to 1225, when it was written by one of the most remarkable figures in church history Saint Francis of Assisi. Born Giovanni Bernardone in Assisi, Italy, in 1182, Francis spent his youth in comfort and privilege. Following a season as a soldier, he experienced a dramatic spiritual transformation at the age of twenty-five. From then on, he devoted himself entirely to living as Christ did: selflessly, humbly, and in service to others. Rejecting his family’s wealth, Francis embraced a life of poverty and simplicity, dedicating himself to preaching and aiding the poor throughout Italy. In 1210, he founded the Franciscan Order, a movement characterized by devotion, humility, and love for all of God’s creation.

Saint Francis is remembered not only for his preaching but also for his deep love of nature and reverence for all living things, which he viewed as reflections of God's handiwork. This perspective is famously captured in artwork such as Giotto's painting of Francis feeding the birds. Numerous stories and legends have grown around his life—some wondrous, others mysterious. One such tale tells of how, as he lay dying, a flock of larks gathered and sang outside his humble hut. Another account describes a mystical encounter during a forty-day fast on Mount La Verna, after which Francis bore the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his body for the rest of his life. Whether historical or legendary, these stories have served to magnify the saint’s reputation for holiness and intimacy with God.

“All Creatures of Our God and King” is adapted from a longer poem known as the "Canticle of the Sun" or "Song of Brother Sun," written by Francis during the final year of his life, as he suffered from illness and blindness. His poetic praise, filled with references to nature, reflects a soul attuned to God’s glory through creation. Francis is believed to have composed over sixty hymns, affirming his strong belief in the power and importance of sacred music. The English version of this particular hymn was created centuries later by William Henry Draper, an English clergyman, for a children’s choir festival sometime between 1899 and 1919. Draper’s paraphrased translation preserves the joyful spirit of Francis’s original text while adapting it for congregational singing.

The hymn’s tune, “Lasst uns erfreuen,” first appeared in a German Roman Catholic hymnal published in Cologne in 1623. After fading from common use, the melody was rediscovered and reintroduced in the 1906 edition of the English Hymnal in London. Its bright and majestic character made it a fitting match for Francis’s jubilant praise of God through all elements of creation. The hymn is especially well-suited for communal singing, and some congregations enjoy performing it in a canon or round, by simply omitting the fermata at the end of the second line. Another musical technique involves antiphonal singing, with alternating groups singing different lines to emphasize the hymn’s dynamic call and response between creation and Creator.

Though Saint Francis remains a somewhat enigmatic figure, surrounded by awe-inspiring stories and spiritual mysteries, there is no question of the lasting impact of his writings. “All Creatures of Our God and King” continues to be a treasured hymn that transcends centuries, languages, and cultures—a testament to the enduring beauty of worship through nature and song. Today, it serves as a powerful reminder of Psalm 145, which exalts the Lord as the source of all power and calls upon all creation to praise Him. This hymn stands not only as an enduring act of praise but also as a bridge between medieval Christian devotion and modern worship.

A notable musical observation is that the Keswick Doxology, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” with its concluding "Alleluias," can be effectively sung to the same tune, “Lasst uns erfreuen.” Such versatility speaks to the strength and adaptability of both the melody and the spiritual depth of the lyrics. In the words of poet Philip James Bailey, “Art is man’s nature: nature is God’s art.” And through Saint Francis, we are reminded that to walk closely with God is to find His fingerprints in the beauty and rhythm of all creation.