The Hymnal ‎#415

415. O Lord, our God, Thy mighty hand

1 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!

2 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!

3 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!

4 Through all the waiting land proclaim
Thy gospel of good will;
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!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: O Lord, our God, Thy mighty hand
• Author: Rev. Henry van Dyke (1912)
• Meter: C. M. D.
• Publication Date: 1950
• Topic: The Kingdom of God on Earth: The Nation; Country, our; Nation, The

Tune Information

• Name: AMERICA BEFRIEND
• Composer: Rev. William Pierson Merrill (1912)
• Meter: C. M. D.
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Tune used by permission of Rev. William P. Merrill.