All Creatures of Our God and King

"All Creatures of Our God and King" is one of those majestic hymns that immediately lifts the spirit of the whole congregation. Based on the words of St. Francis of Assisi, it calls on everything in creation—the burning sun, the silver moon, the rushing wind, and the clouds—to join in a massive chorus of praise. When the choir opens up on those soaring "Alleluia" passages, it brings a real sense of awe and scale to the liturgy.

In our parishes, this piece is a wonderful choice for an Entrance or Recessional hymn, especially on feast days or during the Easter season when the joy of the Alleluia is in full force. The familiar tune builds beautifully verse by verse. By the time we reach the final stanza, singing the Doxology ("Praise God, from whom all blessings flow"), the harmony and the sheer volume of voices create a truly glorious moment of worship.