All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power. (Psalm 145:10-11)
This inspiring expression of praise found in nearly every hymnal was originally written in 1225 by one of the most interesting figures in all of church history. Giovanni Bernardone, better known as Saint Francis of Assisi, was a mystic, medieval monk who spent his lifetime as an itinerant evangelist, preaching and helping the poor people of Italy.
Saint Francis was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1182. After an early indulgent life as a soldier, he reformed his ways dramatically, at the age of twenty-five, and determined to serve God by imitating the selfless life of Christ in all that he did. Although his family were people of considerable means, Francis scorned the possession of material goods, denounced his inherited wealth, denied himself everything but the most meager necessities, and devoted himself completely to moving about his area as Christ’s representative. At the age of twenty-eight Francis founded the influential Franciscan Order of Friars, which developed into a large movement of young men and some women who adopted his religious beliefs and ascetic style of life.
Saint Francis was known as a great lover of nature, seeing the hand of God in all creation. One of the well-known master paintings from this time was done by the famous Italian artist, Giotto, and shows Saint Francis feeding the birds. The following well-known verse was written in tribute to this man: “Saint Francis came to preach—with smiles he met the friendless, fed the poor, freed a trapped bird, led home a child; Although he spoke no word—his text, God’s love, the town did not forget.”
Another familiar verse that has become especially popular in recent years is the thoughtful prayer written by Saint Francis during the early years of his life: “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is error, truth. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is sadness, joy. Where there is darkness, light. O divine master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console. To be understood, as to understand. To be loved, as to love. For it is not in giving, that we receive. It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned. It is in dying, that we are born to eternal life.
“All Creatures of Our God and King” is from another of Saint Francis’s writings entitled “Canticles of the Sun,” said to have been written one hot summer day in 1225, one year before his death, while Francis was very ill and suffering the loss of his eyesight. Throughout his life, Saint Francis made much use of singing and believed strongly in the importance of church music. In all he wrote more than sixty hymns for use in the church. This beautiful expression of praise is one that has survived the passing of several hundred years.
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 heav’n 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 thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire, so masterful and bright,
Thou givest us both warmth and light:
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
All ye that are of tender heart,
Forgiving others take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
All ye who 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!