As Russia considered invading neighboring Ukraine, Presbyterian hymn-writer published ‘We Pray for Peace’
June 24, 2022
The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a Presbyterian hymn-writer who has penned new lyrics to more than 400 hymns, has published her most recent hymn, “We Pray for Peace” to Finlandia, the tune for the hymn “Be Still, My Soul” and “This is My Song.”
The new hymn was written as the world braced for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the fighting that followed such an invasion.
The lyrics “May leaders hear the truth the prophets teach us/that gifts of peace are well worth struggling for” conclude the first verse.
As with other hymns Gillette has authored, this hymn comes with a YouTube video performed by the Rev. Casey Carbone, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac, New York, and the information technology and communications facilitator for Hudson River Presbytery. Carbone gives permission for use of his video, as does Gillette for “We Pray for Peace.”
The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (Contributed photo)
We Pray for Peace
FINLANDIA 11.10.11.10.11.10 (“This is My Song”)
We pray for peace, O God of love and justice,
as once again, we face a time of war.
The meek and humble try — amid the crisis —
to love and build, to nurture and restore.
May leaders hear the truth the prophets teach us —
that gifts of peace are well worth struggling for.
We pray for peace, O Christ who calmed the waters —
who stilled the storm, who stilled disciples’ fear.
You spoke with love and with amazing power;
be with us now when trouble is so near.
May leaders see the miracle you offer —
that words and deeds can calm the nations here.
We pray for peace, O Spirit here among us;
your love emboldens, judges and restrains.
Take any hate and acts of impulse from us;
make leaders wise, amid competing claims.
May we seek peace, O God of love and justice;
may love and mercy be our highest aims.
Video URL: https://youtu.be/RCdbrqgzfJU
Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service
Daily Readings
Morning Psalms 130; 148
First Reading Numbers 20:1-13
Second Reading Romans 5:12-21
Gospel Reading Matthew 20:29-34
Evening Psalms 32; 139
Today’s Focus: ‘We Pray for Peace’ Hymn
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Barbra Whaley, Hubbard Press, Production Clerk II, Administrative Services Group, A Corp
Donyale White, Account Clerk III, Administrative Services Group, A Corp
Let us pray
Gracious God, we celebrate that you are in charge of our future. We are honored to be part of your amazing story of birth and new life. Allow us to be open to you and your guiding Spirit. Amen.