O God of Every Nation
O God of every nation
The hymn reflects Lutheran social ethics regarding civil authority and Christian responsibility for earthly justice while maintaining trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. It balances the doctrine of the two kingdoms with the Christian mandate to pray for and work toward peace.
History & Background
Written by William Waiter Reid in 1958, this hymn was first published in ecumenical hymnals and emphasizes prayer for nations and international peace. It gained wider Lutheran use through inclusion in Lutheran Book of Worship (1978).
In 1958 William W. Reid, Jr. , submitted this hymn text Scripture References to a contest sponsored by the Hymn Society of America in st. 2 = Isa. 2:4 conjunction with the Department of International Affairs of the st. 4 = Isa. 9:5-7 National Council of Churches. The text won first place and was sung at the opening session of the Fifth World Order Study Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 13-21,1958. It was published in the Hymn Society’s TwelveNew World Order Hymns (1958). “O God of Every Nation” is a beautiful prayer for God’s shalom to reign over the whole world; for truth, love, and justice to preside over human affairs; and for an end to warfare with its “trust in bombs that shower destruction” (st. 2). As war and rumors of war continue to plague our world; the final stanza holds before us the vision of a new heaven and earth in which “Christ shall rule victorious.”
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 680
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 713
- Glory to God — 756
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 416
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 76
- New Century Hymnal — held
- Psalter Hymnal — 606
- United Methodist Hymnal — 435
- Voices Together — 695
Liturgical Use
In times of war or when you want to express your solidarity with others who are in wartorn areas; peace services and similar occasions that stress Christian servanthood and social responsibilities; Advent.
Bulletin Note
Written by William Walter Reid in 1958, this hymn embodies Lutheran social ethics: Christians are called to pray and work for justice among nations, while trusting God's providential rule. Sung to the Welsh tune Llangloffan.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the Lutheran doctrine of the two kingdoms, calling Christians to active responsibility for earthly justice while resting in God's ultimate sovereignty—a both/and that the Gospel alone makes possible.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From problem of spiritual isolation (stanzas 1-2) through imperative to action (stanza 3) to corporate missional response (stanza 4)
Themes
God's sovereignty over nations Justice and peace Prayer for unity Social responsibility Divine providence