The text of this beloved hymn of praise is a translation and paraphrase of a text written by St. Francis of Assisi in 1225 known as the “Canticle of the Sun” or “Song of All Creatures.” This specific translation was done by William H. Draper (1855-1933) around 1910 for a children’s Pentecost festival. It was William H. Draper who added the “Alleluia’s” and “O Praise Him” to make the text fit this tune, and are a brilliant addition to the existing text, emphasizing the scope of continual praise lifted to God from all creation.

The tune LASST UNS ERFREUEN (Let Us All Rejoice) is believed to be a seventeenth century German folk melody, first found in a Jesuit hymnal in 1623. A common setting of the tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was published in 1906, and is used in many hymnals today.

As we sing this hymn, we join with Christians throughout the ages and with all of Creation to sing our praises to God the Creator. Psalm 145 says, “My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” This is our call and our invitation, and now, using the words God has given us through the voice of a St. Francis, we answer that invitation with a joyful “Alleluia!”