Scripture Verse

The angel showed me the river of the water of life…On each side of the river stood the tree of life…and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1–3

Introduction

portrait
Frederik H. Kaan
1929–2010

Words: Fred Kaan, 1965.

Music: Pi­ca­rdy French car­ol tune. Har­mo­ny from The Eng­lish Hym­nal, 1906, num­ber 318 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

Lyrics

For the healing of the nations,
Lord, we pray with one accord,
For a just and equal sharing
Of the things that earth affords.
To a life of love in action
Help us rise and pledge our word.

Lead us forward into freedom;
From despair your world release,
That, redeemed from war and hatred,
All may come and go in peace.
Show us how through care and goodness
Fear will die and hope increase.

All that kills abundant living,
Let it from the earth be banned:
Pride of status, race, or schooling,
Dogmas that obscure your plan.
In our common quest for justice
May we hallow life’s brief span.

You, Creator God, have written
Your great name on humankind.
For our growing in your likeness,
Bring the life of Christ to mind;
That by our response and service
Earth its destiny may find.