In Sun and Shade: A Book of Verse

by Frederick George Scott

 

A LITANY FOR THE NATION

 
GOD, give us eyes to see the human need;
God, give us hands to do the noble deed;
God, give us hearts that bleed when others bleed;
                                        SAVE US, GOOD LORD.

God, make us great, not with mere power and gold,
5
But with compassion strong and meekness bold,
For others, not ourselves, the trust to hold;
                                        SAVE US, GOOD LORD.

God make us true, clear as the heaven is clear,
Clean in our way of life, not knowing fear,
10
Building Love’s mighty kingdom far and near;
                                        SAVE US, GOOD LORD.

God give the world the visioned peace which came
Before men’s eyes through smoke and battle flame;
Make us a nation worthy of Thy name;
15
                                        SAVE US, GOOD LORD.