Let the Whole Creation Cry
Let the whole creation cry
This hymn reflects Lutheran theology's affirmation of creation's goodness and God's providential care over all things, resonating with Article III of the Augsburg Confession on God the Creator. The text exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on the comprehensive scope of redemption and God's sustaining power over creation, inviting all creatures into doxological response.
History & Background
Written by English Congregational minister Stopford Augustus Brooke in 1881, this hymn celebrates the cosmic scope of creation's praise to God. It was first published in Brooke's hymnal and has since become a standard ecumenical hymn of creation care and universal worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 50
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 828
- The Hymnal 1982 — 400
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 242
- New Century Hymnal — 21
Bulletin Note
Written by Stopford Augustus Brooke in 1881, this hymn embodies Lutheran theology's affirmation of creation's goodness and divine providence, rooted in the Augsburg Confession's understanding of God as Creator and sustainer of all things.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's command to praise into the Gospel's invitation: creation cries out not from obligation but from the overflow of God's grace, showing how redemption frees all things to their truest purpose.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from human desperation and God's majesty (stanzas 1–3) to confident petition for divine mercy and liberation (stanza 4)
Themes
Creation praise All creation worship God's glory Universal redemption Trinitarian doxology