All Creatures of Our God and King

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, you are sovereign, good, and all-wise. You are in control of the universe you have made and know best how it works. You love me and have my best interest at heart. Furthermore, you not only have my best interest but know best how to bring it about in my life. Therefore, I will trust you. Thank you for the gift of your Word that provides direction for me to follow. I needn’t grope in the dark, tripping over obstacles, when your Word is such a radiant and trustworthy light in my life. In the name of the One who is the Light of the world, I pray. Amen.

All Creatures of Our God and King
Francis of Assisi

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 morn, 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 the Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
Thou 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!

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.
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!

Key Principles from this Hymn

1. The hymn emphasizes that all elements of creation – from the sun and moon to the wind and water – praise God and reflect his glory. This teaches us that nature (God’s “second book) is a testament to God’s majesty and creativity.
2. The repeated call for various parts of creation to join together in praising God underscores the unity we share as part of his creation. It encourages us to join in collective worship, recognizing our interconnectedness with all that God has made.
3. The hymn speaks to human experiences of pain, sorrow, and even death, reminding us to cast our cares upon God and find comfort in his promises. It assures us of God’s presence and care in all aspects of life, including our final moments.

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. How do you see God’s glory reflected in nature around you?
2. In what ways can you join creation in praising God throughout your daily life?
3. How does recognizing the unity of all creation affect your understanding of community and worship?
4. When faced with pain, sorrow, and loss through death, how do you find comfort in God’s presence?
5. What specific aspects of nature help you feel closer to God, and why?
6. How can the principles of forgiveness and bearing one another’s burdens strengthen your church family?
7. How does the assurance of God’s care in death affect your perspective on life and eternity?

Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon

1. Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2. Psalm 148:3-5 – 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.
3. Romans 1:20 – For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
4. 1 Peter 5:7 – Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
5. Revelation 4:11 – You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.

Action Steps

1. Spend time in nature, perhaps by taking a walk or sitting in a park, and use that time to reflect on God’s creation and offer him praise and thanksgiving.
2. Make a conscious effort to forgive someone who has wronged you, as an act of worship and obedience to God’s command to love one another.
3. This theme has appeared in previous hymns. This is our Father’s world, after all. Therefore, take practical steps to care for his creation, such as reducing waste, recycling, or participating in a community clean-up, as a way to honor God’s creation.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

All-wise Lord of heaven and earth, I am grateful for the direction you give me for my life. I am humbled and thankful that you have not left me to grope in darkness to search in vain for the right path, but your Spirit has provided a light for me so I may follow the same road as my Savior. I pray Father, in your power, give me strength to follow your will for my life. Enable me to let my love be genuine and to abhor what is evil. Help me love others with a brotherly affection and continually and consistently show them honor. May I never be slothful in my zeal, but fervent in spirit, always serving you. Let me faithfully rejoice in hope, show patience in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. And may I think of others before myself by contributing to their needs and showing hospitality to them. Then, gracious God, when people see my life, let it point to you so that you, and you alone, receive all the praise and glory. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (based on Romans 12:9-13)

Prayer Prompts

Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.

Petition – prayers for yourself

• Give me greater love for those who are hard to love.
• Help me to be compassionate and kind to those in need, even when it’s inconvenient.
• Pour upon me your courage and boldness to love those who do not know you and to share with them your Gospel, in word and deed.
• Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
• Other needs

Intercession – prayers for others

• My family
• My family and friends who do not have a saving relationship with Christ
• For those in my other spheres of influence who do not know Christ
• For evangelists around our city, country, and world who risk much in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost
• Other needs

Quotation from Church History

“All the earth is a witness to the magnificence of God.” Saint Augustine

Thank you for joining me for this Sunday Morning Devotion. If it has encouraged you, please share it with others. For more devotionals, Bible studies, and resources, visit Walking Points. May God bless and strengthen you as you live for his glory!