During these stressful times, when our country is being expected to intervene in strife around the world, I think prayers for God’s help, guidance, and redemption are most needed. I pray for peace in the hearts of all the people of God’s earth.

Scripture passages:  Psalm 33:20-22, Isaiah 54:10, John 14:27, Philippians 4:6,7

The title for this blog was taken from the lyrics of the hymn, “O God of Every Nation”. The stanzas of this hymn can offer a song of prayer that is very befitting for this time. This link will take you to the music and words: www.oremus.org/hymnal/o/o175.html‎

“Oh God of Every Nation” was written after two world wars, during the Cold War. This link will take you to a history of the hymn: http://gbod.s2.paramoreredd.com/lead-your-church/worship/resource/history-of-hymns-o-god-of-every-nation

The article at the above link also offers insight on the words of each stanza. Here are some excerpts:

Stanza 1: “. . . The poet realized that peace might only be wrought ultimately among nations and not solely through the efforts of any one country . . .”

Stanza 2: “. . . boldly identifies some of the causes of strife: the “search for wealth and power,” the “scorn of truth and right.”. . .”pride of race and station.”. . .”

Stanza 3: “. . . a plea . . . that they “may find release . . . from rattling saber [and the] dread of war’s increase”, or, as we say today, escalating conflict. . .”

Stanza 4: “. . . pleads for a “bright . . . vision” of the cessation of “war . . ., hatred and division . . . where Christ will reign in “truth and justice.”. . .”