In light of all the division and hatred within our nation and around the world, this old hymn is an appropriate response and expresses my prayer well.
O God of Every Nation
O God of every nation, of every race and land,
Redeem the whole creation with your almighty hand;
Where hate and fear divide us and bitter threats are hurled,
In love and mercy guide us and heal our strife-torn world.
From search of wealth and power and scorn of truth and right,
From trust in bombs that shower destruction through the night,
From pride of race and nation and blindness to your way,
Deliver every nation, eternal God, we pray!
Lord, strengthen all who labor what we may find release
From fear of rattling saber, from dread of war’s increase;
When hope and courage falter, your still small voice be heard;
With faith that none can alter, your servants undergird.
Keep bright in us the vision of days when war shall cease,
When hatred and division give way to love and peace,
Till dawns the morning glorious when truth and justice reign
And Christ shall rule victorious o’er all the world’s domain.
Words: Watkins Reid, Jr. (b.1923)
