Canticle of the Sun
The heavens are telling the glory of God
Theologically, 'Canticle of the Sun' operates within the tradition of creation theology, doxology, and the theology of praise. In Lutheran terms, the text functions primarily as a response to the first article of the Creed — God as Creator and Sustainer of all things — and invites the gathered community into the cosmic liturgy that all creation continuously offers. The text does not dwell on human sinfulness or the need for redemption in any explicit way; rather, it positions the worshipping community as joyful participants in creation's own praise, consistent with Lutheran hymnic traditions that celebrate the goodness of creation as gift. The movement through the natural elements — sun, wind, rain, fire, darkness — and concluding with death and resurrection in the final stanza gives the text a subtle eschatological arc: creation praise is not escapist but arrives at the cross and empty tomb.
History & Background
Marty Haugen composed 'Canticle of the Sun' in 1980 as a paraphrase and musical setting drawing upon the famous 'Canticle of Brother Sun' (Laudes Creaturarum) written by St. Francis of Assisi around 1224. Francis's original Umbrian Italian text is widely recognized as one of the earliest masterpieces of Italian vernacular literature and stands as a foundational text of Christian creation spirituality. Haugen's adaptation retains the essential Franciscan doxological framework — praising God through and for each created element — while recasting it in a singable, congregational English idiom suited for modern liturgical worship. The refrain, 'The heavens are telling the glory of God,' draws on Psalm 19:1, anchoring the Franciscan creation mysticism in the biblical tradition of creation's praise.
Hymnal Appearances
- Gather 3rd Edition — 607
- Gather 4th Edition — 609
- Worship IV — 513
Bulletin Note
Text and music by Marty Haugen (b. 1950), based on the 'Canticle of Brother Sun' by St. Francis of Assisi (1224). © 1980 GIA Publications, Inc.
Preaching Connection
When St. Francis lay dying, he added a verse praising 'Sister Death' — insisting that even the final threshold belongs to the canticle of praise; this text reminds preachers that creation theology and resurrection hope are inseparable in Christian proclamation.
Themes
creation praise doxology Franciscan spirituality cosmic liturgy stewardship of creation resurrection hope joy gratitude ecological theology