For the Beauty of the Earth
For the Beauty of the Earth
For the Beauty of the Earth
Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864
What This Song Teaches Us About God
The hymn begins, “For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies.” It teaches us to receive creation as a gift from God, not as an end in itself. The beauty of the world should lead the heart upward in thanksgiving to the One who made it.
The repeated response, “Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise,” keeps the song from becoming mere sentiment about nature. The earth, human love, daily mercies, and the church’s worship are all reasons to give thanks to the Lord of all. Gratitude is directed to God because every good gift comes from Him.
Scripture Connections
- Genesis 1:31 — God saw everything He had made, and it was very good. The hymn’s appreciation for creation begins with the goodness of God’s created world.
- Psalm 24:1 — The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. The beauty of the earth belongs to God and displays His ownership and care.
- James 1:17 — Every good and perfect gift comes from above. The hymn’s thanksgiving for creation, family, and mercy fits this biblical pattern.
Clarifying the Language
“Lord of all” — God is sovereign over everything He has made. The phrase keeps the song’s gratitude directed toward the Creator, not merely toward created things.
“Grateful praise” — Worship that rises from thanksgiving. The hymn is not only noticing beauty; it is giving thanks to God for it.