Canticle of the Sun (The heavens are telling) - Haugen

This is a hymn of praise, about Christ in creation.  It was inspired by Laudes Creaturarum (Praise of the Creatures) written by Francis of Assisi (1181-1226).

It was written by American Lutheran composer and pastoral musician, Marty Haugen (b 1950) - originally for the Saint Bonaventure Catholic Parish in Bloomington Minnesota, USA, where Haugen was the Director of Music(ref).  It was first published in 1980 by (the predecessor) to GIA Publications.

Is set to a an unnamed tune, also by Haugen, which has a 3/8 time signature. It was originally published in A, but it is more commonly sung in G. In this key the first few notes are DD GGG DD EGF G.

Downloads

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Choral arrangement (SATB) with woodwinds, arranged by Haugen

Examples

Choir and congregation with backing band:

Solo singer, self-accompanied on guitar:

Praise band and congregation:

Original recording, singer and small group with band:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus: 
The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and all creation is shouting for joy.
Come, dance in the forest,
come, play in the field,
and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord.

1  Praise for the sun, the bringer of day ...

2  Praise for the wind that blows through the trees ...

3  Praise for the rain that waters our fields ...

4  Praise for the fire who gives us his light ...

5  Praise for the earth who makes life to grow ...

6  Praise for our death that makes our life real ...

See more ... 

• Hymns inspired by Francis of Assisi
• Hymns about creation

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
The heavens are telling the glory of God, and all creation is shouting for joy. Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field, and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord. 1 Praise for the sun, the bringer of day, He carries the light of the Lord in his rays; The moon and the stars who light up the way Unto your throne. 2 Praise for the wind that blows through the trees, The seas mighty storms, the gentlest breeze; They blow where they will, they blow where they please To please the Lord. 3 Praise for the rain that waters our fields, And blesses our crops so all the earth yields; From death unto life her myst'ry revealed Springs forth in joy. 4 Praise for the fire who gives us his light, The warmth of the sun to brighten our night; He dances with joy, his spirit so bright, He sings of you. 5 Praise for the earth who makes life to grow, The creatures you made to let your life show; The flowers and trees that help us to know The heart of love. 6 Praise for our death that makes our life real, The knowledge of loss that helps us to feel; The gift of yourself, your presence revealed To lead us home.