This hymn is found in the Trinity Hymnal and was originally to the tune of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." Written by David Clowney (son of the late theologian, Ed Clowney) in 1960, "God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory" is a beautifully written text that stresses God's creation with special attention given to His image bearers and their purpose of bringing Him glory. What was most interesting about this song, that I found out after writing a new tune for it, was that Clowney wrote the lyrics when he was only 16 years old! I only wish I was writing such words at 16 and I only pray that I can influence and raise my own children in such a way that they would think such lofty thoughts of how great our God is.
lyrics
God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory
by David Clowney, music by Eric Graef
Verse 1
Am C G Am C G
God, all nature sings thy glory, and all thy works proclaim thy might;
Am C G Am C G
ordered vastness in the heavens, ordered course of day and night;
C G C Am
beauty in the changing seasons, beauty in the storming sea;
Am C G Am C G
all the changing moods of nature praise the changeless Trinity.
Verse 2
Am C G Am C G
Clearer still we see thy hand in man whom thou hast made for thee;
Am C G Am C G
ruler of creation's glory, image of thy majesty.
C G C Am
Music, art, the fruitful garden, all the labor of his days,
Am C G Am C G
are the calling of his Maker to the harvest feast of praise.
Bridge
Am C Am D
But our sins have spoiled thine image; nature, conscience only serve
Am C Am
as unceasing, grim reminders of the wrath which we deserve.
C G C D
Yet thy grace and saving mercy in thy Word of truth revealed
Am C Am
claim the praise of all who know thee, in the blood of Jesus sealed.
Verse 3
Am C G Am C G
God of glory, power, mercy, all creation praises thee;
Am C G Am C G
we, thy creatures, would adore thee now and through eternity.
C G C Am
Saved to magnify thy goodness, grant us strength to do thy will;
Am C G Am C G
with our acts as with our voices, thy commandments to fulfill.
credits
from Preach To Yourself,
released October 17, 2012
Lyrics from "God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory" by David Clowney. Copyright(c) 1960 by David
Clowney. Used by permission of InterVarsity Press, PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
www.ivpress.com.
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