Lord of Heaven and Earth And Sea

Today's hymn was written by Christopher Wordsworth (1807-1885). Christopher was the nephew of another famous Wordsworth, William. Both Wordsworth loved creation. They marveled at the beauty and the glory that is found in nature. It is an easy thing to do. Everyone has a favorite place to go when they want to get away for a while. I myself prefer the mountains, especially during the fall. Looking at the leaves as they are changing color has a very calming effect on me. There isn't a prettier place to take a drive. With the Wordsworths, they looked at nature and where inspired to write poetry. William loved nature for nature's sake. He worshiped the beauty of the mountain and the bubbling sound of the rivers. Christopher looked at the same things and saw the hand of the Creator at work. For him, nature pointed to something greater than itself. Thus, he wrote the hymn "O Lord of Heaven and Earth and Sea."

This hymn has excellent progression. The first stanza asks how we may worship. The second points to the praise that creation heaps upon the Creator. The third focuses on humanity and why it should give thanks. The fourth gives praise for the redeeming love of Jesus. And the last acknowledges that, apart from God, we have nothing. The Lord provides so that we all may live. There is nothing we have that has not been given to us by Him. This is beautiful hymn that gives thanks that we are in His hands.

1) O Lord o heaven and earth and sea,
To Thee all praise and glory be!
How shall we show our love to Thee,
Who givest all?

2) The golden sunshine, vernal air,
Sweet flowers, and fruit Thy love declare;
When harvests ripen, Thou art there,
Who givest all.

3) For peaceful homes and healthful days,
For all the blessings earth displays,
We owe Thee thankfulness and praise,
Who givest all.

4) For souls redeemed, for sins forgiven,
For means o grace and hopes of heaven:
What can to Thee, O Lord, be given,
Who givest all?

5)To Thee, from whom we all derive 
Our life, our gifts, our power to give:
O may we ever with Thee live,
Who givest all!

Unfortunately, I could not find a good recording of it. Here is a congregation singing just a couple of the stanzas.  If/when I find something better, I will post it.