Scripture Verse

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12

Introduction

portrait
William P. Merrill (1867–1954)

Words: Hen­ry J. van Dyke, 1912.

Music: Re­pub­lic Will­iam P. Mer­rill, 1912 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Henry J. Van Dyke (1852–1933)

Lyrics

O Lord, our God, Thy mighty hand
Hath made our country free;
From all her broad and happy land
May worship rise to Thee.
Fulfill the promise of her youth,
Her liberty defend;
By law and order, love and truth,
America, America, befriend!

The strength of every state increase
In union’s golden chain;
Her thousand cities fill with peace,
Her million fields with grain.
The virtues of her mingled blood
In one new people blend,
By unity and brotherhood,
America, America, befriend!

O suffer not her feet to stray;
But guide her untaught might,
That she may walk in peaceful day,
And lead the world in light.
Bring down the proud, lift up the poor,
Unequal ways amend.
By justice, nationwide and sure,
America, America, befriend!

Through all the waiting land pro­claim
Thy Gos­pel of goodwill;
And may the joy of Je­sus’ name
In every bosom thrill.
O’er hill, and vale, from sea to sea,
Thy holy reign extend;
By faith and hope and charity,
America, America, befriend!