“About the Hymns: This Is My Father’s World,” About the Hymns (2026)
About the Hymns
This Is My Father’s World
American clergyman Maltbie Babcock was a man of many talents. He could have pursued a career as a writer, a lawyer, a politician, or a musician. Instead, he chose to study theology and become a Presbyterian minister. He would devote his skills to preaching, writing religious poems, and caring for the people in his congregations. His first assignment as a new minister was in Lockport, New York—an area with forests, grasslands, and waterfalls. Babcock loved spending time outdoors, for it was there that he could hear God. As he beautifully expressed, “In rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me ev’rywhere.”
Before his death, Babcock’s poem “My Father’s World” was published in several newspapers. After his death, his words found new life when American Presbyterian composer Franklin L. Sheppard paired them with an English folk tune in 1915, creating the beloved hymn we know today.
This hymn is a testimony that even in a world where “wrong seems oft so strong,” God is still in control. We can trust Him and give praise to Him. “God reigns; let earth be glad!”
Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for This Is My Father’s World
On This Page
Scriptures
Principles
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Under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ was the Creator of this world.
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God still rules over the earth today.
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God’s creations teach and testify of Him and of His love for His children.
Questions to Ponder
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When has your time outside in nature helped you feel God’s love?
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Where have you seen evidence that God is Creator and King over the earth?
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How do things like rocks, trees, birds, stars, and other creations testify of their Creator?
Related Gospel Study Guides
From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:
Activities for Families
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Choose a favorite verse. After listening to or singing the hymn together, invite each family member to choose their favorite verse and share why they like it. Then sing these favorite verses again.
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Notice God’s wonders. After singing the hymn together, invite each family member to share a favorite wonder of God that the hymn reminds them of. During the week, keep listening to or singing the hymn. Encourage family members to notice and point out wonders of God around them—things they see, hear, smell, or feel. You could take a short walk and invite everyone to call out what they notice in nature that reminds them of God’s love and creativity. Remind your family that personal and family prayers can be a time to thank Heavenly Father for the beauty and wonders He has created.
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Find comfort in the words of this hymn. During times when your family feels concerned about what is happening in the world, sing the third verse of the hymn together. Read Psalm 46:10 and talk about what you learn from it. Invite family members to quietly ponder and then share what they feel the Holy Ghost is teaching them about their Heavenly Father’s world. Encourage your children to talk with Heavenly Father in prayer about what they are feeling and to express their faith and trust in Him.