St. Francis of Assisi loved animals. Because of this sensitivity, he expressed a deep appreciation for the interdependence of all living things. coexisting under the care of a loving and awesome Creator/God. Because of this perspective, he repudiated his life of material wealth and privilege. He had a yearning for a life devoted to love and service. Most importantly, his example has inspired believers for eight centuries. He beautifully expresses his values in his great hymn, "All Creatures of Our God and King," a litany of many stanzas coupled with a refrain of praise.
Our 21st-century world is continually threatened by hurricanes, earthquakes, fire and famine and irresponsible use of earth’s resources. Concurrently, because of conflict between nations, political discord and personal rancor all around, it seems almost naïve to sing any hymn. Ironically, the tune universally paired with Francis’ hymn, comes from an area now in modern Germany, where conflict perhaps even more destructive than today’s, brought death and devastation to almost half the population in the 17th century.
A Tune named "Let Us Please You (God)"
This tune is named, Lasst uns erfreuen. The German title ltranslates as "Let Us Please You (God)." It was composed almost 400 years after Francis’ wrote his hymn and is still being sung today, almost 400 years later. What a powerful Faith Music Connection!
The vision of Faith Music Connection is to answer the call found in the gospel of Matthew 22:37-40— “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul…and mind, and…your neighbor as yourself”—by connecting Christians through the essence, mystery and power of music.
Mission of Faith Music Connection
Therefore, our mission is to offer musical performances and programs, workshops, books and weekly blog entries (such as this one) on hymns connecting faith and everyday experience, hymn lyrics, masterworks of sacred music and contemporary Christian music and living. We also offer devotionals, resources for leaders and teachers and comfort and inspiration to seekers and the hurting,
All Creatures of Our God and King and Psalm 19
Consider these verses from Psalm 19. The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world…Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
In the words of St. Francis, “O Praise Him, Alleluia!” And, as I encourage you at the end of every episode of The Hymn of the Week—
“This is your host, Dr. Larry Frazier...
Goodbye, and keep singing!”