Episode
For the Beauty of the Earth
- Podcast
- Grace for All
- Published
- Jun 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 358
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Psalm 95: 1-2 (RSV) O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! One of my favorite hymns is “For the Beauty of the Earth”. It is found in most modern hymnals of all denominations. In the United Methodist Hymnal, it is page 92. Often, worship planners look at this hymn and suggest that the six verses are just too long for the congregation to sing. But, before we come to that conclusion, let's look at the text to see exactly what we would decide to leave out. The words were written by Folliott S. Pierpoint, an English poet and hymn writer educated at Queen's College. He was 29 when he wrote these poetic words, which give us a wonderful vision of the many things for which we should be grateful. Verse one reminds us to be thankful for the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, and for the love that surrounds us from our birth. God created this planet we call home and yes, loves us from our very birth! Verse two reminds us to look at all creation... for the beauty of each hour of the day and the night, for hill and vale, tree and flower, for the beauty of the sun, moon, and stars... nature all around us. Verse three tells us to stop and look and listen... for the joy of ear and eye - for the heart and mind’s delight - for the mystic harmony linking sense to sound and sight. Verse four emphasizes the joy of human love for brother, sister, parent, and child... for friends on earth and friends above - for ALL gentle thoughts and mild. Verse five is a prayer for the universal church... lifting holy hands above... offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love. And finally, verse six speaks to the most important g…