New Hymn: Once to Every Soul and Nation

Here’s a mostly-new hymn from Rev. Barry Bordenkircher, Senior Minister at St. Paul United Church of Christ, N. College Hill, Ohio. The first stanza is adapted from the original hymn (“Once to Every Man and Nation”), but the rest are original. 

Once to Ev’ry Soul and Nation

 (Tune: BEECHER – “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”

or another appropriate 8.7.8.7.D tune)

Once, to ev’ry soul and nation

comes the moment to decide,

in the strife of truth with falsehood,

for the good or evil side;

some great cause, God's new beginning,

offering each the bloom or blight,

and the choice goes by forever;

'twixt illusion and clear sight!

Once, our Master Jesus taught us

Where our highest trust to place,

Where to find enlightened guidance:

Only look upon God’s “face”.

Still we vest in human wisdom

Full allegiance, faith and pow’r;

Then in fear and doubt we clamber

Ego’s false, divisive tower.

“Seek ye first God’s grace-filled ‘kingdom,’

Build belov’d community,

Love your brother and your sister

As I love and cherish thee!”

This commandment laid before us

Is the Spirit’s beckon call;

Choose new paths where God will lead us,

Tearing down all Ego’s walls!

Frequently to ev’ry Christian

Comes a moment to decide,

Comes a chance to see new vistas,

And with God to walk ‘long side!

This our prayer, our expectation

As we now discern a choice:

Spirit guiding, prophets heeding,

We hear God’s clear “still small voice!”

~ written by Rev. Barry Bordenkircher, Senior Minister at St. Paul United Church of Christ, N. College Hill, Ohio

Remembrance Day Hymn

Here’s a new hymn for Remembrance Sunday from Louis Kinsey – a plea and a prayer for an end to war and violence.

He writes: “This hymn was written out of a personal longing for the return of Christ and the advent of his fulfilled and completed kingdom, when young men and women won’t ever have to go to war again. The texts that inform the verses (indicated below) lead from the Old Testament prophetic hope of Isaiah on to the fulfilment of that hope in Jesus Christ, the Lord, who is himself wounded (v.4) as the means by which peace is finally accomplished. The final verse, in this time before Christ’s return and a new heaven and earth are established, is a prayer that the peace of Christ will fill our hearts, in the face of much that could overwhelm us with anxiety, and for boldness when so much of the world’s suffering threatens to quench faith.

It is written to be sung to the tune of REPTON, which is the tune associated with the hymn ‘Dear Lord and Father of mankind’, and its thoughtful nature accompanies the verses appropriately. Other tunes of a similar metre (86 88 66) may suit the words equally well.”

New Hymn for Remembrance Day

Come soon, the day, when peace shall reign
And nations fight no more
When spears are turned to pruning hooks
And love displaces hateful looks
When none shall train for war
When none shall train for war (Isaiah 2:4 NIV)

Come soon, the day, when Christ the King
Will rule in all the earth
When nations live beneath his law
To glory in their strength no more
And dwell in love and peace
And dwell in love and peace (Micah 4:3 NIV)

Come soon, the day when love is crowned
And sin at last cast down
When faithful hearts can rest in peace
And battles of the soul will cease
When Christ at last appears
When Christ at last appears (1 Peter 2:11 NIV)

Come soon, the triumph of the Lamb
Who bears the wounds of love
The Lord of lords and King of kings
He comes, and in his victory brings
All those who love his name
All those who love his name (Revelation 17:14 NIV)

Come soon, eternal day of peace
May hate and war be gone
Let justice flow and love abound
When men and women gather round
The Lamb upon the throne
The Lamb upon the throne (Ecclesiastes 3:8 NIV)

Come, peace of Christ to fill our hearts
And make our spirits bold
A peace, not as this dark world gives,
The peace of Christ, for Jesus lives
And fills our hearts with love
And fills our hearts with love. (John 14:27 NIV)

~ written by Louis Kinsey © Jocky Music 2013. Louis Kinsey is a parish minister in Aberdeen and an Army Reserve chaplain with 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital. He has served as a chaplain in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Posted on the Church of Scotland’s Resourcing Mission website. https://www.resourcingmission.org.uk/sites/default/files/Come_soon_the_day.pdf

New Song for Lent: I Thirst

Here’s an original song for Lent from Cathy Johns, Senior Pastor at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Cathy writes: “This Lent we designed a sermon series called "Love Speaks," based on the last Seven Words of Christ from the Cross.  I wrote this song as part of a message entitled: "Love Speaks from the Cross: I Thirst."  In over 33 years of preaching I have never felt the nudge to write a song with original words.  The response to this was humbling as many were blessed by the simple lyrics.”

The tune is original. Cathy says she’d be happy to share it with you if you want to contact her. (You can find her contact information on the church’s website: http://hydeparkchurch.org/.)  

New Song:

Love Speaks from the Cross: I Thirst

You were there when the waters of creation

Heard the words: “Let there be light.”

You were there to transform the water into wine

Bringing joy to Cana that night

Yet here you are – lifted high– so all may know

The Lord of heaven and earth

You laid aside Your glory for this glimpse of Your grace:

Love speaks from the Cross: “I thirst.”

You were there when I was broken and thirsty

Your love brought life-giving rain

You are here, a stream in the desert

To restore me, and make me whole again.

Yes, here you are – lifted high – so all may know

The Lord of heaven and earth

You laid aside Your glory for this glimpse of Your grace: 

Love speaks from the Cross:  I thirst

Love speaks from the Cross,

Love speaks from the Cross….

Love speaks from the Cross:  I thirst.  

 ~ written by Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns, Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, Cincinnati, OH

Hymn for the New Year

Here’s a new hymn for the new year from Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. She suggests it be sung to HYMN TO JOY ("Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee") or another tune in 8.7.8.7.D. meter.

New Year’s Hymn

(Suggested tune: HYMN TO JOY)

On this day of celebration, at this time when hopes are new,
God, we gather as your people, called to put our trust in you.
You have made the world we live in; you have worked through history.
In your plan we find our purpose, in your love, our unity.

Long ago, you sent our Savior to this world in deep despair.
In your Word made flesh you came, our life to know, our sins to bear.
Christ has died and Christ is risen!  At this new year we proclaim:
Yesterday, today, forever-- Jesus Christ is still the same!

Through two thousand years of changes, through these passing centuries,
You have called your church to witness to Christ’s love that claims and frees.
Each new generation hears you, each must find a fresh new way
To make known the life you offer, to the people in their day.

On this day, we pause and wonder what the future years will bring,
Yet we know you clothe each flower and you make each sparrow sing.
How much more will you protect us with your guiding, caring hand!
By your Spirit, lead us boldly in the future you have planned.

~ Copyright © 1999 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  All rights reserved. Published in Gifts of Love:  New Hymns for Today’s Worship by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Geneva Press). Email:  bcgillette@comcast.net  Web site:  www.carolynshymns.com

Post-election hymn

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has written this new hymn as a response to the recent American election.

She invites you to email her at  bcgillette@comcast.net  if you would like copies of the new hymn in MS Word for a worship bulletin insert and as a PDF with the hymn formatted with the music.

By the Streams of Babylon

Suggested tune: DIX (“For the Beauty of the Earth”)

By the streams of Babylon we sit weeping bitter tears.

Here so many hopes are gone; now we’re filled with countless fears.

Yet, O God, you tell us: “Rise! See the world through faith-filled eyes!”

We will rise and seek your way, knowing love will one day win.

We won’t let fear rule the day; we will welcome strangers in.

Every day, we’ll seek and find countless ways to be more kind.

By your grace, we’ll rise above even in this troubled hour.

Where there’s hate, we’ll choose to love; we will speak your truth to power.

With the poor and refugee we will build community.

We will pray for those who lead even as we take a stand.

We will rise with those in need, seeking justice in the land.

We will learn and listen well from the truth that others tell.

We will rise and work for peace; we will treasure your good earth.

We will march, that wars may cease; we’ll see every person’s worth.

God, now give us faith-filled lives as we heed your call and rise.

~ Copyright © 2016 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  All rights reserved. New Hymns:

www.carolynshymns.com

Biblical References:  Psalm 137:1; Joshua 24:15; Ephesians 1:17-18; Deuteronomy 10:19; Hebrews 13:1; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Psalm 34:14; Micah 6:8

Contemporary Hymn: Prodigal (Luke 15)

Here’s a new hymn text inspired by Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 (the parable of the Prodigal Son).  It was written by Colleen Kristula.  She wrote it to be sung to the tune for “Open my eyes that I may see.”  (Listen here.)  

Prodigal

When we are farthest from our God, lost in a strange and foreign world,

Hungry and empty, homeless and poor, weary of wandering, weak and worn,

God runs the pathway to our hearts, opening arms that bring new starts.

“Celebrate now, my child is found!” God cries with joy.

When we are tempted to deny God’s grace to others we despise;

When we cry out: “Unworthy! Unfair!  That such a sinner has a share!”

God seeks us in our righteous pride, pleading with us to come inside:

“Celebrate now, my child is found!” God cries with joy.

Hope is our God who welcome brings music, new sandals, robes and rings.

Grace is the table set for the feast, offered to all, from great to least.

Love is forgiving when we stray, Love is affirming when we stay.

“Celebrate now, my child is found!” God cries with joy.

~ Copyright © 1998 by Colleen Kristula.  The author gives permission for this hymn to be used in worship, as long as credit is given.

Psalm 118 Hymn: This is the Day

Here’s a new hymn inspired by Psalm 118.  It was written by Joy F. Patterson.  You could use ELLACOMBE (“I sing the mighty power of God”), KINGSFOLD (“I heard the voice of Jesus say”), or any other tune in 8.6.8.6 meter.  If you want a more reflective setting, you could even use AMAZING GRACE.

This is the Day the Lord has Made

(inspired by Psalm 118)

This is the day the Lord has made;

     in it will we rejoice,

          praising God's everlasting love

               with heart and mind and voice.

God is my refuge and my strength,

     my might, my joy, my song,

          my shield, salvation, sure defense

               throughout my whole life long.

Open the gates of righteousness,

     Lord, let me enter there,

          that I may lift my thanks to you

               in hymn and song and prayer.

See now the wonder God has done:

     the once rejected stone

          has now become the cornerstone,

               the Lord's own Chosen One.

Blest is the One who comes to us

     in God our maker's name,

          bringing to us God's life and light,

               to every age the same.

This is the day the Lord has made;

     in it will we rejoice,

          praising God's everlasting love

               with heart and mind and voice.

~ written by Joy F. Patterson, copyright © 1993, Music © 1993 Hope Publishing Company.  Posted on Hope Publishing Onine Hymnody website.  http://www.hopepublishing.com/html/main.isx?sitesec=40.2.1.0&hymnID=3172#   If you use this hymn in worship, be sure to report it on your CCLI license.

Contemporary Hymn: Psalm 23

Here’s a simple new hymn inspired by Psalm 23.  It was written by Daniel Damon.  See below for a link to the music.

Take Me to the Water

Take me to the water

flowing deep and wide;

like a shepherd, lead me

to the riverside.

By the quiet waters,

gladly I lay down

all the things that keep me

from your holy ground.

Jesus, in the darkness

make the pathway clear;

I will fear no evil,

knowing you are near.

On a rocky table

in the wilderness,

set a feast before me-

let my foes find rest.

Show me fields of mercy

as I greet the dawn;

to your house of blessing,

I will follow on.

~ written by Daniel Charles Damon. Words © 2007 Hope Publishing Company.  Posted on Hope Publishing’s Online Hymnody website.  A PDF of the musical score available at http://www.hopepublishing.com/media/pdf/hset/hs_2545.pdf  If you use this song in worship, be sure to report it on your CCLI license.

Contemporary Hymn: Luke 19: 1-10

Here’s a hymn inspired by the story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10).  It was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.

Zacchaeus was a Tax Man

Zacchaeus was a tax man who one day climbed a tree,

For he was short in stature and said he could not see.

And yet he had a problem that mattered even more:

He didn't see the suffering his greed had caused the poor

O Lord, you saw Zacchaeus -- so wealthy, yet alone.

You said, "Come down -- and hurry! I'm coming to your home."

For you broke bread with sinners and saw within each one

A person loved and treasured -- God's daughter or God's son.

It wasn't just the treetop that helped Zacchaeus see;

Your love and welcome showed him how different life could be.

He said that he'd start over and work to make things fair;

He'd speak the truth, bring justice, and find new ways to share.

O Christ, you bid us welcome and help us all to see!

May we respond by building a just society.

Then children won't be hungry and all will share your bread.

Then those who now must struggle will live in joy instead.

~ written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, based on Luke 19: 1-10.  Copyright © 2010 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Email: bcgillette@comcast.net 

Suggested tune: AURELIA (“The Church’s One Foundation”)

Alternate tune: ANGEL'S STORY ("O Jesus, I Have Promised").

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor (Upper Room Books 2009)and Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today's Worship (Geneva Press, 2000) and serves with her husband Bruce as the co-pastors of Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. A complete list of the 160+ hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, many with peace and justice themes, can be found at www.carolynshymns.com.

Contemporary Hymn: O God, You Made the Sabbath Day

Here’s a contemporary hymn suggestion about the Sabbath.  It was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.

O God, You Made the Sabbath Day

O God, you made the Sabbath day,
Your gift, your law, your healing way.
You also made, within each heart
A longing for this day apart.

You gave your children, long-oppressed,
Your freeing gift of Sabbath rest.
You give us Sabbath freedom, too:
Our lives are more than work we do!

Life's sacred rhythm seems long gone;
The world, unblinking, carries on.
Your Spirit calls us! Slow our pace
That we may hear your word of grace.

Christ Jesus lives! He makes us new!
On Sundays now, we worship you.
With hearts uplifted, joy restored,
Your church goes out to serve you, Lord.

~ Copyright © 2000 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. 

Biblical References: Luke 13:10-17, Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:15; Acts 20:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Suggested tune: TALLIS CANON ("All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night") 8.8.8.8

From Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Upper Room Books, 2009). Contact (bcgillette@comcast.net) for permission to use the hymn and to get a copy of the hymn formatted for worship bulletin use.

New Hymn for Pentecost

Here’s a new hymn text for Pentecost from Rick Lindholtz.  He writes: “The idea was to write a text for Pentecost Sunday that placed the ministry of the Holy Spirit in a biblical context.”

He suggests using the early American tune, BEACH SPRING (Come ye sinners, poor and needy).  If your congregation doesn’t know that tune, you could use any 8.7.8.7.D tune that felt right.  If your congregation doesn’t know any hymns, you could use a contemporary melody like Brian Doerksen’s The River.

Holy Spirit, Sent to Fill Us

(8.7.8.7.D)

Holy Spirit, sent to fill us by the Father and the Son,

You were promised by our Savior, He who died to make us one.

Come and make your home within us; come and claim us as your own,

Come reveal to all your people Jesus reigning on His throne.

Come and teach us how to follow and upon you to rely.

Show to us the face of Jesus, Christ our Savior, born to die.

He came down to dwell among us, with His mighty power to save,

Gave His life for our salvation, and is risen from the grave.

In the faith may we be guided, to the truth may we be led.

Spirit, cause us to remember all the words that Jesus said.

May the Love of God our Father come to us and never part;

May the beauty of the Savior enter into every heart.

~ Copyright © 2008 Rick Lindholtz

Contemporary Hymn for Trinity Sunday

Here’s a contemporary hymn to the Trinity.  It was translated from the Latin by Michael Saward, and posted on Jubilate Hymns.

All Hail, Majestic Trinity!

All hail, majestic Trinity!

All hail, eternal unity!

O God the Father, God the Son,

and God the Spirit, ever one.

One living God, our hearts adore;

three Persons, now and evermore;

and in your loving mercy kind

salvation's promised hope we find.

O Trinity, O Unity,

our God, both now and ever be;

and with the songs that angels sing

we shall rejoice, all-glorious king.

~ Latin 10th Century, translated Michael Saward, after John Chambers (1805-93).  Copyright ©  Michael Saward / Jubilate Hymns. http://www.jubilate.co.uk/  If you use this hymn in worship, be sure to report it on your CCLI license.

Tune suggestions:

OLD HUNDREDTH (Praise God from whom all blessings flow)

DUKE STREET (Jesus shall reign where’er the sun)

O WALY, WALY (Tho’ I may speak with bravest fire)

or any other suitable tune in 8.8.8.8 (LM) meter.

Contemporary Hymn for Mother's Day

Here’s a contemporary hymn written for Mother’s Day/Mothering Sunday by the British hymnist, Timothy Dudley-Smith.  See below for tune suggestions.

Our Father God in Heaven

Our Father God in heaven

on whom our world depends,

to you let praise be given

for families and friends;

for parents, sisters, brothers,

a home where love belongs,

but on this day for mothers

we bring our thankful songs.

What wealth of God's bestowing

for all the world to share!

what strength of heart outgoing

to children everywhere!

Our deepest joys and sorrows

a mother's path must trace,

and earth's unknown tomorrows

are held in her embrace.

How well we know the story

that tells of Jesus' birth,

the Lord of heaven's glory

become a child of earth;

a helpless infant sleeping,

yet King of realms above,

to find in Mary's keeping

the warmth of human love.

Our Father God in heaven,

to you we lift our prayer,

that every child be given

such tenderness and care,

where life is all for others,

where love your love displays:

for God's good gift of mothers

let earth unite in praise!

~ written by Timothy Dudley-Smith.  Words © 2003 Hope Publishing Company.  Posted on Hope Publishing Company’s Online Hymnody website, http://www.hopepublishing.com/ and reprinted here by permission. If you use this song in worship, be sure to report it on your CCLI, LicenSing or OneLicense copyright license.

Song suggestions:  (7.6.7.6.D. meter)
ALSTYNE (My song shall be of Jesus)

ANGEL’S STORY (O Jesus, I have promised)

AURELIA (The church’s one foundation)

Contemporary Hymn: Psalm 36

Here’s a contemporary setting of Psalm 36 from David Schutz.  You might try singing it to the NETTLETON (Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing), or HOLY MANNA (Brethren we have met to worship) – or any other tune in 8.7.8.7.D meter.

Psalm 36

Lord, your love extends to heaven
and your truth draws to the sky;
Lord, your judgments and your justice
reach the depths and scale the heights.
Precious is your loving kindness,
caring for all living things;
Everyone who truly seeks you
finds protection ‘neath your wing.

In your presence they are feasted
with the riches you provide;
from the stream of your good pleasures
all their thirst is satisfied.
For in you is life’s pure fountain;
in your light we see the light.
Show your love to those who know you;
guard the righteous with your might.

 

~ text by David Schutz.  Posted on the LCA Worship Planning Page of the Lutheran Church of Australia.  If reproducing this version, please put ‘Words (c) David Schütz’ at the beginning or the end of the psalm.

Contemporary Hymn: We Pray for Peace

Here’s a contemporary hymn about peace.  If you are highlighting peace themes, you might want to consider using this sung prayer of intercession. It was written by Deborah Patterson.  She suggests the tune GREENSLEEVES (“What Child is This?”).

We Pray for Peace

(Tune: GREENSLEEVES)

We pray for peace, God, in our world,

so wrenched by war and sorrow.

Give us rebirth, and heal our earth

of fear and hate tomorrow.

            Teach peace in every mind,

            and heal all wounded humankind.

            Teach peace in every heart,

            as people of one Maker.

We pray for peace, God, in our streets,

where neighbors fear to travel.

Let gunfire end, our ways amend,

let violence unravel.

            Refrain

We pray for peace, God, in our homes,

where we have hurt those nearest.

Renew each will, and help us still

to reconcile our dearest.

            Refrain

We pray for peace, God, in our souls.

Oh, heal our selfish blindness!

God, touch each heart and help us start

to love each self with kindness.

            Refrain

— written by Deborah Patterson, and posted on the website of the United Church of Christ, http://www.evangelicalucc.org/bulletins/Bulletin_12_10_06.pdf Webster Groves, Missouri. 

New Hymn: Thanks be to You, O God

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.

New Hymn: God of Eagles

Here’s a contemporary hymn suitable for American Independence Day celebrations (July 4).  It was written by Dosia Carlson.  See below for tune suggestions.

God of Eagles, God of Sparrows

(8.7.8.7.D.)

God of eagles, God of sparrows,

     soaring spirit, earthly guide,

help our nation know true greatness,

     free from all-consuming pride.

Strengthen us for global duties

     sharing progress that is just;

like the eagle may we venture,

     like the sparrow may we trust.

God of valleys, God of mountains,

     comrade in our depths and heights,

speak through all our civic leaders

     who would nurture human rights.

May they know your daily presence

     and affirm your ageless deeds;

through dark valleys may they follow,

     up steep mountains where love leads.

God in victory, God in failure,

     steadfast through each tribal test,

save us from our shabby idols,

     show us that your way is best.

Better than the lure of power,

     better than the lust for fame;

so in failure may we praise you,

     and in victory bless your name.

~ written by Dosia Carlson, 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:

HOLY MANNA (Brethren, we have met to worship)

HYFRYDOL (Jesus, what a friend for sinners) 

BEACH SPRING (Come ye sinners, poor and needy) 

or any other 8.7.8.7.D. tune

For more resources suitable for national celebrations, click on National Prayers in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

New Hymn: It is God who holds the nations

Here’s a contemporary hymn suitable for Independence Day or Canada Day celebrations, or other national holidays. It was written by Fred Pratt Green.  See below for tune suggestions.

It is God Who Holds the Nations

(15.15.15.7.)

It is God who holds the nations in the hollow of his hand;

It is God whose light is shining in the darkness of the land;

It is God who builds his City on the Rock and not on sand:

May the living God be praised!

It is God whose purpose summons us to use the present hour;

Who recalls us to our senses when a nation's life turns sour;

In the discipline of freedom we shall know his saving power:

May the living God be praised!

When a thankful nation, looking back, has cause to celebrate

Those who win our admiration by their service to the state;

When self-giving is a measure of the greatness of the great:

May the living God be praised!

God reminds us every sunrise that the world is ours on lease -

For the sake of life tomorrow, may our love for it increase;

May all races live together, share its riches, be at peace:

May the living God be praised!

~ written by Fred Pratt Green, copyright © 1976 Hope Publishing Company.  See it on the Hope Publishing Site here. 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:

I first saw this hymn set to the tune, BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC.  If that tune is too martial for your tastes, you might try HERITAGE by Austin C. Lovelace.  You can view a PDF of that hymn tune on the Hope Publishing Company website (link above).

For more resources suitable for national celebrations, click on National Prayers in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.