Scripture Verse

He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; He burns the chariot in the fire. Psalm 46:9

Introduction

Words: William W. Reid, Jr., 1958.

Music: Llang­lo­ffan, from Hym­nau a Tho­nau, by Da­ni­el S. Ev­ans (Lon­don: No­vel­lo, 1865) (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
William W. Reid, Jr.
1923–2007

Lyrics

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 for wealth and power
And scorn of truth and right,
From trust in bombs that shower
Destruction through the night,
From pride of race and station
And blindness to your way,
Deliver every nation,
Eternal God, we pray.

Lord, strengthen those who labor
That all 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 under-gird.

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.