Common Praise (1998) ‎#421

421. Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord

1 Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
to thee be ceaseless praise outpoured,
and blessing without measure.
From thee alone all creatures came;
no one is worthy thee to name.

2 My Lord be praised by brother sun
who through the skies his course doth run,
and shines in brilliant splendour;
with brightness he doth fill the day,
and signifies thy boundless sway.

3 My Lord be praised by sister moon
and all the stars, that with her soon
will point the glittering heavens.
Let wind and air and cloud and calm
and weathers all, repeat the psalm.

4 By sister water be thou blessed,
most humble, useful, precious, chaste;
be praised by brother fire;
jocund is he, robust and bright,
and strong to lighten all the night.

5 By mother earth my Lord be praised;
governed by thee she hath upraised
what for our life is needful.
Sustained by thee, through every hour,
she bringeth forth fruit, herb, and flower.

6 My Lord be praised by those who prove
in free forgivingness their love,
nor shrink from tribulation.
Happy, who peaceably endure;
with thee, Lord, their reward is sure.

7 For death our sister, praised be,
from whom no one alive can free.
Woe to the unprepared!
But blest be they who do thy will
and follow thy commandments still.

8 Most high, omnipotent, good Lord,
to thee be ceaseless praise outpoured,
and blessing without measure.
Let creatures all give thanks to thee,
and serve in great humility.

Text Information

• First Line: Most high, omnipotent, good Lord
• Title: Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord
• Author: Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
• Translator: Howard Chandler Robbins (1876-1952) ( alt.)
• Meter: 887 88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1998
• Scripture:
  Genesis 1:1-2:4
  ;
  Job 38:1-41
  ;
  Psalm 148
  ;
  Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
  ;
  2 Esdras 16:54-62
• Topic: Creation; Gathering of the Community; Praise of God; Song of creation

Tune Information

• Name: ASSISI
• Composer: Alfred Morton Smith (1879-1971)
• Meter: 887 88
• Key: f minor
• Copyright: © Estate of Doris Wright Smith.