For the Beauty of the Earth

    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:

        Lord of all, to Thee we raise
        this our joyful hymn of praise.

    Alternative refrain:

        Christ, our God, to Thee we raise
        This, our sacrifice of praise.

    For the beauty of each hour
    Of the day and of the night,
    Hill and vale and tree and flow'r
    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 each perfect gift of Thine
    To our race so freely given.
    Graces human and divine
    Flow'rs of earth and buds of heav'n.

    Refrain

    Alternative last verse:
    For thy church that evermore
    Lifteth holy hands above,
    Offering up on every shore
    Her pure sacrifice of love.