ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING

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 1224

“All Creatures of Our God and King” – Hymn History


Origins (13th century – Italy)

The hymn is rooted in St. Francis of Assisi’s famous poem, “Canticle of the Creatures” (also called “Canticle of the Sun”), written around 1224. It is one of the earliest known religious poems in the Italian vernacular rather than Latin.


St. Francis composed it while ill and nearly blind.


The poem praises God through elements of creation—sun, moon, wind, water, fire, earth—reflecting Francis’s deep theology of creation as a community that glorifies God.


Transition to a Hymn (17th–19th centuries)

For centuries, the Canticle existed as a poem and chant rather than a congregational hymn.


In 1680, parts of it were translated into German and adapted for hymn use.


The most influential English version was written in 1919 by William Henry Draper, an Anglican clergyman.


William Henry Draper (1855–1933)


Draper paraphrased St. Francis’s text for use in church worship.


His version added the recurring refrain “O praise Him! Alleluia!”, making it suitable for congregational singing.


Draper first wrote it for a children’s Whitsuntide (Pentecost) festival, but it quickly gained wider popularity.


Music (1623 – Germany)

The hymn is commonly sung to the tune “Lasst uns erfreuen”, a joyful German melody first published in 1623.


The tune predates Draper’s text by nearly 300 years.


Its exuberant alleluias perfectly complement the hymn’s theme of universal praise.


Theological Themes


Creation theology: All creation is called to worship God.


Trinitarian praise: Many versions conclude with a doxology to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.


Franciscan spirituality: Emphasizes humility, joy, and kinship with creation.


Modern Use and Legacy


Widely used in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Reformed traditions.


Frequently sung at harvest festivals, creation-themed services, and Eastertide.


Closely associated with Christian environmental awareness and care for creation.


In summary:

“All Creatures of Our God and King” is a remarkable blend of medieval Franciscan poetry, early Baroque German music, and 20th-century English hymnody, making it one of the most ecumenical and enduring hymns in Christian worship.

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