Let All the World In Every Corner Sing
Let all the world in every corner sing
The hymn embodies a thoroughly Lutheran understanding of vocation and the sanctification of all creation through praise directed toward God. It reflects the Reformation principle that all legitimate human activity—represented by the world's corners and diverse voices—participates in glorifying God.
History & Background
Published in George Herbert's The Temple (1633), this hymn originally appeared as a two-stanza poem emphasizing the joy and universality of Christian praise. It has become a beloved processional and general praise hymn in Lutheran, Anglican, and Reformed traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 59
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 876
- Glory to God — 14
- The Hymnal 1982 — 402
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 554
- Lutheran Service Book — 903
- Lutheran Worship — 445
- New Century Hymnal — 7
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 451
- With One Voice — 773
Bulletin Note
George Herbert (1593–1633), English pastor and poet, wrote this hymn celebrating the Reformation truth that all honest work glorifies God. Every corner of human life sings when offered as worship to the Creator.
Preaching Connection
This hymn captures the Gospel's liberating power: it frees us from the Law's demand that only the religious are holy, proclaiming instead that all our vocations—when offered in gratitude—become songs of praise.
Themes
praise and worship joy in faith creation praising God universal Christian testimony