Here’s a contemporary hymn suitable for Canada Day (July 1), Independence Day (July 4), or any other national celebration. It was written by Hugh C. Stuntz. See below for tune suggestions.
Thanks Be to You, O God
(8.8.8.8.8.8.)
Thanks be to you, O God above,
with whom we live in trust and love,
for guidance through the stormy years
of growth and discord, wars and fears.
Our joyful voices now we raise
in grateful songs of thankful praise.
Teach us to trust your providence
as future centuries commence;
with humble, contrite heart and mind
your ways to know, your will to find.
Forgive what we have failed to do;
help us apply our faith anew.
In this atomic age of space
as nations strive for power and place,
grant wisdom to our leaders, Lord;
may they be guided by thy word.
Your righteous will is our desire;
help us to feed that holy fire.
Grant that the persons we shall choose
to govern us, shall not abuse
the privilege of power we give,
but honorably before us live.
So may we serve that all may view
in us the image, Lord, of you.
~ written by Hugh C. Stuntz, copyright © 1975 The Hymn Society (admin. Hope Publishing Company). Use of these words is covered by your CCLI or OneLicense copyright license. If you don’t have a copyright license, contact Hope Publishing Company for permission to use.
Tune suggestions:
MELITA (Eternal Father, strong to save)
ST. CATHERINE (Faith of our Fathers)
For more resources suitable for national celebrations, click on National Prayers in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
