We are now well into the period of 100 days before we mark the centenary of the end of Word War One. Some helpful resources for churches to marks this are available from Remembrance 100
This is a hymn for peace, written on returning from a visit to the Holy Land this January in which the Anglo Israel Association enabled a group of us to meet with Israelis and Palestinians and deepen our understanding of the complexities of the conflict.
O for Peace to rule creation -
Land, air, sea o'er which we fight -
Freeing nature from her groaning,
Healing scars of human might.
God of Peace whose word brought order,
From before this world began,
Turn our swords again to ploughshares,
Lead together wolf and lamb.
O for Peace to rule the nations -
Peoples filled with hate and strife -
Ending terror, wars and conflicts,
Leading us from death to life.
Prince of Peace who came among us,
You have walked the extra mile,
From your cross you prayed "forgive them",
Give us grace to reconcile.
O for Peace to rule within us -
Hearts weighed down by grief and fear -
Filling us with hope and healing,
Wiping from us every tear.
Peace of God beyond all knowing,
Pour on us your heavenly balm,
Help us rest in your protection,
In our turmoil, breathe your calm.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Triune God of peace and love,
You break down our walls of hatred,
Through Christ's blood and by the dove.
War and death have been defeated,
By your kingdom of shalom,
Peace and life shall rule with justice,
In our new creation home.
8.7.8.7.D so could be sung to various well-known tunes including Blaenwern, Hyfrydol, Cymraeg and Nettleton.
