The Song of the Creatures

The Canticle of the Creatures
by Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong;
no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

We praise You, Lord, for all Your creatures,
especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
of You Most High, he bears your likeness.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars,
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and Air,
fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Earth,
who sustains us
with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.

We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.


I like this prayer a lot and wish I could hear it sung the way he wrote it 800 years ago. Once upon a time this was a common song that people sang. I wonder what the melody was like.

In the early 70's I belonged to a church that had many musicians. They often put music to bible passages, and we would sing those songs in church. I liked that a lot.

My study of mediaeval history has helped me to better understand and appreciate the poems, songs, and prayers written during that time period. At that time people were more in tune with, and felt a closer connection to, the natural world around them.

I found that song at this web page.
http://prayerfoundation.org/canticle_of_brother_sun.htm

There was a movie made in 1972 named ‘Brother Sun Sister Moon' about Francis of Assisi. It's a very good movie.
He taught repentance, humility, and non-violence.

The painting shows Francis of Assisi renouncing his worldly goods, and is attributed to Giotto di Bondone around the year 1300.
.