All You Works of the Lord
All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord
This hymn embodies Lutheran creation theology, affirming God's providential care and the goodness of creation while calling all creatures to join in cosmic worship. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on God's omnipotence and the interconnectedness of all creation in praising the Creator.
History & Background
Written by contemporary hymnwriter Benedicta Ward in 1984, this modern hymn draws inspiration from the biblical canticle of praise found in Daniel and Psalm 148. It has become widely used in Lutheran and ecumenical worship as an expression of creation-centered theology.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 833
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 18
- Lutheran Service Book — 931
- Lutheran Worship — 9
- With One Voice — 707
Bulletin Note
Written by Benedicta Ward in 1984, this contemporary hymn draws inspiration from the Benedicite (Song of the Three Young Men), reclaiming ancient Christian tradition for modern cosmic praise and affirming creation's participation in God's redemptive work.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Lutheran creation theology, showing how God's providential care and the goodness of creation testify to divine sovereignty, offering a Gospel response to our human tendency to diminish or despise the world God has called 'very good.'
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Invocation of creation to praise God → enumeration of creatures' gifts → call to gratitude and eternal adoration
Themes
Creation care and stewardship Universal praise of God Cosmic worship God's lordship over creation