Hymn

At church, I feel cheated if we don't get to sing all of a hymn, because I often find the verses that follow the first even more meaningful, and often they carry the main thought to a conclusion. Today we sang all the verses of "All Creatures of our God and King," which happens to have been written by St. Francis of Assisi in 1225. The last two verses were so pretty. I was glad we got to sing them.

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia.