For the Beauty of the Earth” is a cherished hymn written by Folliott S. Pierpoint in 1864. The hymn expresses gratitude for the wonders of creation, the beauty of nature, and the joys of human life. It reflects themes of thankfulness and reverence for God’s gifts, celebrating not only the physical beauty of the world but also the relationships and experiences that enrich life.
The hymn’s structure includes multiple stanzas, each focusing on different aspects of beauty—such as nature, love, and family—culminating in a call to give thanks to God. The refrain typically emphasizes the overarching theme of praise for God’s creation.
The melody most commonly associated with the hymn was composed by John Rutter in the 20th century, although it has been set to various tunes over the years. “For the Beauty of the Earth” is often sung during services that emphasize creation, thanksgiving, and the beauty of God’s handiwork. Its lyrical depth and joyful spirit continue to resonate with congregations today.
For the Beauty of the Earth – Lyrics
For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies.
Refrain:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.
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, [Refrain ]
For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild, [Refrain]
For yourself, best gift divine,
to the world so freely given,
agent of God’s grand design:
peace on earth and joy in heaven. [Refrain]
