"For the Beauty of the Earth" - Additional Verses

Retirement brings opportunities for involvement in new experiences of appreciation. Throughout his life my husband, Carl, has enjoyed singing and playing the beautiful hymns of the Christian faith.

Recently Carl has been inspired to write additional verses to the popular Hymn: "For the Beauty of the Earth."

The original text, published by Folliot S. Pierpoint in 1864, praises God for the beauty of the earth and skies, for the joy of ear and eye, for the joy of human love, and for the church "that evermore lifteth holy hands above". Each verse concludes with the response, "Lord of all to thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise."

Following are 8 verses that Carl has scripted to continue this antiphony of praise.

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(Carl E. Coppock - July 2, 2011)

Each verse concludes with the refrain from the original hymn;

"Lord of all to thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise."

Verse 1.

For the beauty of the morn, Sunlight bright on dew adorns;

Glorious gift is this new day, Ours to use in some special way.

Refrain

Verse 2.

For the joy of night's good rest, A prize for which we're richly blest;

Restores, refreshes body and soul; A quest which always is our goal.

Refrain

Verse 3.

For the blessing of good health, Better far than fame or wealth;

Good health care and genes combine, To give this blessed gift divine.

Refrain

Verse 4.

For the blessing of the rain, Falls on hill and vale and plain;

Lakes and streams, trees, flowers and grass, All things living nourished at last.

Refrain

Verse 5.

For the beauty of the spring, Buds and blossoms, flowers it brings;

Red and yellow, pink and blue, All nature sings of life anew.

Refrain

Verse 6.

For the beauty of the Fall, Autumn's chill cools one and all;

Summer's heat has come and gone, Thanksgiving soon will bid us call.

Refrain

Verse 7.

For the beauty of the sun, Pours its warmth on everyone;

Source of light and source of life, Its radiant beams for our delight.

Refrain

Verse 8.

For the blessing of warm coats, They keep us warm, secure as toast;

Those we wear and those we share, Thankful always for Thy care.

Refrain

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As the years go by I suspect Carl will continue to add verses of thankful praise for the blessings of life, and health and strength.