1. For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies; Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise. 2. For the wonder of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale and tree and flower, Sun and moon, and stars of light; Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise. 4. For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child; Friends on earth and friends above; For all gentle thoughts and mild; Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise. 5. For Thy Church that evermore Lifteth holy hands above, Offering up on every shore Her pure sacrifice of love; Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise. 6. For Thyself, best gift divine, To our race so freely given, For that great, great love of Thine, Peace on earth, and joy in heaven: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
Lyrics: Folliot Sandford Pierpoint
Music: Conrad Kocher
Tune: DIX
Meter: 7.7.7.7.7.7.
Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835–1917
Not much is known about Folliott Sandford Pierpoint, the author of this hymn. He was born in the town of Bath, England. The inspiration for this hymn text is said to have come to the young author as he was strolling about his native town one day in the late spring, entranced by the beautiful countryside with the winding Avon River in the distance.