Hymns of Wonder, Thanksgiving and Praise

Offering worship to the Creator in ways old and new

The story of creation and redemption has inspired Christians throughout the ages to sing God’s praises. Here we list hymns of wonder, praise and thanksgiving inspired by creation. Some of them may be familiar – many may not be. We pray that they will help you in your worship of God.

* indicates out of copyright, ** indicates CCOW powerpoint version, (C) indicates especially useful for children. Hymns particularly appropriate for special times in the church year have that noted.

Links are to Hymnary where words are available on the site, and to videos where they are not.

Traditional hymns…

 

From new sources

Mostly in copyright – check licensing where necessary.

Resound Worship has put out a series of new songs – Doxecology They focus on different aspects of creation care – go to the Resound Worship page for licensing: the links are to videos, some of which are also embedded on the right.

They join a wide range of new music from different traditions. We’ve got a sampling below (links are primarily to videos, as words are within copyright)

Hymns

Folk

Contemporary Worship Songs

Jubilate Hymns appear in some hymnals, but the words and licensing information can also be found on the Jubilate website. They include many new hymns set to familiar tunes – and some completely new words and tunes. You might want to look at their ‘Creation and Harvest’ collection, which includes many of the below … and more:

Green Christian has a list with links to the words of new hymns, which are often set to familiar tunes. Most of the words have the author’s permission to use them in the context of a service: check for each. The hymns include:

Collections of new hymns

Revd Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is an independent hymn writer. You need to get her permission to use her hymns – but she’s very quick to respond, so a little planning means you can use something beautiful. Take a look at her website for a bountiful selection, including hymns for special occasions (harvest, animal blessings, and hymns linked to particular lectionary readings).

Revd Professor June Boyce Tillman has written an essay of ecotheology together with a number of hymns adapting familiar ones and/or set to familiar tunes. They are shared by Eco-Congregation Scotland.

You may not have heard …

Three relatively new hymns from a competition sponsored by the Fred Pratt Green Trust. Colin Thompson’s ‘Creation’s Glory Shines’ is one many congregations may find particularly helpful.

“Many and great, O God, are your works” (lyrics, video) – The lyrics page in Hymnary tells the story of this beautiful hymn, also known as ‘The Dakota Hymn’; the author, Joseph Renville, was half-Dakota, and the hymn was first published in ‘The Dakota Hymnal’.

The Porter’s Gate Worship Project has an album of Climate Vigil Songs on YouTube: listen for free.

Hymn Powerpoints

Featured Hymns

From Rend Collective – Still Water

From Doxecology – Nature Shines

From Doxecology – God the Maker of the Heavens

This is my Father’s world

Traditional Choir: All Creatures of Our God and King

Folk: Sing Out, Earth and Skies

Modern Worship Songs: Creation sings the Father’s song

Jubilate Hymns: For Distant Clouds

Hymn Powerpoints – Care for CreationPrayer Powerpoints – Wonder, Thanksgiving and Praise