Hymns for the Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is a time for Christians around the world to come together in prayer and action for creation. It lasts from the 1st of September until the 4th of October, Saint Francis of Assisi's feast day. We've collected appropriate hymns for your choir or congregation for this time of year. Let us know if you find this helpful or use them in your church!
All Creatures of our God and King - Lasst Uns Erfruen
“All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing. Alleluia, Alleluia! O burning sun with golden beam And silver moon with softer gleam, O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!”
The lyrics of “All Creatures of our God and King” are adapted from “The Canticle of the Sun,” a poem written by Saint Francis of Assisi during the last year of his life. The hymn praises God and His work in sustaining all of creation. Everything that He has created, everything that exists, is a testimony of His greatness! You’ll definitely hear this one at Mass in University Church during the Season of Creation.
In You Creation Finds its Joy - Ronan McDonagh
“In you creation finds its joy, you have clothed it in your beauty, Alleluia!”
In you, creation finds its joy is written by Irish composer, Ronan McDonagh. The verses joyfully praise God and His care for the earth and its creatures, “The ends of the earth stand in awe at the sight of your wonders. The lands of sunrise and sunset you fill with your joy.” He was inspired by psalm 64 and “The Spiritual Canticle” of Saint John of the Cross.
You can find Ronan's music on his website here.
Psalm 138/139: If You Find Me - Steven C Warner
“If you find me by the ocean, at the sea’s farthest end, even there, Lord, you watch over me, even there, you place your hand.”
You’ll often hear “If You Find Me” sung on Saint Patrick’s Day in University Church. The psalmist remembers the promises of the Lord that even at the “sea’s farthest end” God will be found, God will find us. The composer of the piece wrote, “Based on Psalm 138, a psalm resplendent with images richly piled one upon the other, this piece is a call to cherish the uniqueness of every human person and their dreams.”
I Will Be the Vine - Liam Lawson
Based on the words of John 15, “I Will Be the Vine” sings of the relationship between Jesus and his followers. Jesus is the vine and believers are the branches, connected to the vine and dependent on it for life and growth. Bearing fruit comes from being connected to the vine.
The Deers Cry - Shaun Davey
“I arise today through the strength of heaven. Light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of wind, depth of the sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock.”
These lyrics are a prayer known as the Breastplate of Saint Patrick, patron Saint of Ireland. The Season of Creation is a time for Christians around the world to come together in prayer and action for creation. It lasts from the 1st of September until the 4th of October, Saint Francis of Assisi’s feast day
For the Fruits of All Creation - Ar Hyd y Nos
“For the fruits of all creation, Thanks be to God. For the gifts to ev’ry nation, Thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, Silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth’s safekeeping, Thanks be to God.”
The lyrics thank God for all the blessings he bestows on us - even those while we are sleeping. We are thus called into action to make God known in the world. Thanks be to God!
Earth Song - Frank Ticheli
“Sing, be, live, see
This dark stormy hour
The wind, it stirs
The scorched Earth cries out in vain
Oh war and power, you blind and blur
The torn heart cries out in pain
But music and singing have been my refuge
And music and singing shall be my light
A light of song, shining strong
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Through darkness and pain and strife
I'll sing, I'll be, live, see
Peace”
Make Me a Channel of Your Peace - arranged by Mark Hayes
“Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” is also known as the Prayer of Saint Francis. Pope Francis chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Francis was a strong advocate for creation, encouraging Christians to take the Season of Creation as a time to care for the environment and promote ecological conversion.
May we all continue to pray, reflect, and act on environmental issues even beyond this set season.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
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 in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Full Playlist of Hymns
