Let All Things Now Living

By Katherine Davis

Lyrics

1. Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God the Creator triumphantly raise,
Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who guideth us on to the end of our days.
His banners are o’er us,
His light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night,
‘Til shadows have vanished and darkness is banished,
as forward we travel from light into light.

2. His law He enforces: the stars in their courses,
The sun in His orbit, obediently shine;
The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim Him divine,
We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing,
With glad adoration a song let us raise,
‘Til all things now living unite in thanksgiving
To God in the highest, hosanna and praise.

Bible Reference

Psalm 148:1-3

About This Hymn

“Let All Things Now Living,” written in 1939 by Katherine K. Davis, is a joyful hymn of thanksgiving that celebrates God as Creator, Sustainer, and Guide. Set to the traditional Welsh folk tune Ash Grove, the song invites all creation—heavenly hosts, sun, moon, and stars—to lift their voices in praise. Its vivid imagery reflects passages like Psalm 148, where the natural world is called to worship the Lord, and Exodus 13, where God’s guiding presence led Israel through the wilderness. The hymn captures a spirit of gratitude and reverence, making it a favorite for worship services focused on praise and thanksgiving.

Katherine K. Davis was a classically trained composer and pianist, remembered best for writing The Little Drummer Boy. Her contributions to Christian music, however, go far beyond that popular song. In this hymn, Davis combined poetic text with a beloved folk melody, creating a piece that is both rich in theology and easily sung by congregations. By setting her words to Ash Grove, she gave the hymn a timeless quality, blending tradition with joyful worship that continues to resonate with Christians today.

This hymn teaches believers to see the world around them as a testimony to God’s glory. The first verse focuses on creation’s praise, while the second emphasizes God’s providential care and leading. It reminds us that worship is not just for special occasions but should be a constant response to God’s presence and blessings. “Let All Things Now Living” continues to encourage believers to join creation in joyful thanksgiving, celebrating the Lord’s faithfulness in every season of life.