New Arrangement: For the Beauty of the Earth

from Hymncharts arranger Don Chapman:

Try opening a Thanksgiving or Mother’s Day service with my joyful, modern version of the classic For the Beauty of the Earth.

Written in 1864 by classics teacher Folliott Pierpoint, this hymn has helped generations of congregations to praise the Creator for the wonders of our world.

This arrangement starts with a meditative feel, then revs up with a percolating drum beat.

The original recording is keyed for an alto worship leader in D major, but I suggest using the F version for a choir and the G version for a tenor worship leader.

Blended Worship

Try using For the Beauty of the Earth with these popular worship songs:

• So Will I (100 Billion X) by Joel Houston, Benjamin Hastings, and Michael Fatkin. A powerful anthem that traces God’s creative work from the stars to humanity. The song moves through creation in a similar way to the classic hymn, but with a modern perspective, referencing galaxies and the vastness of space while maintaining deep reverence. The memorable line “If the stars were made to worship, so will I” captures the same spirit as the hymn’s “sun and moon and stars of light.”
• King of My Heart by John Mark McMillan and Sarah McMillan. A declaration of praise that, like the hymn, focuses on God’s constant presence “over and around us.” The song uses natural imagery similar to the hymn, with lyrics referencing mountains, shadows, wind, and waves. The repeating affirmation “You are good” echoes the hymn’s recurring “Lord of all to Thee we raise / This our hymn of grateful praise.”
• Good Good Father by Pat Barrett and Anthony Brown. This song mirrors the hymn’s themes of God’s parental love and care. While the hymn speaks of “the love which from our birth / Over and around us lies,” this modern worship song explores similar territory through personal testimony: “I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like / But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night.” It celebrates God’s perfect love while acknowledging His role as creator and sustainer.

Download For the Beauty of the Earth

Get this arrangement of For the Beauty of the Earth only at Hymncharts.com and Worshiphymns.com – you won’t find this fresh take anywhere else! As the arranger, I’m offering this new version exclusively on my sites.