Mission Yearbook: New hymn encourages peace and justice work

Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has a new hymn that encourages people of faith to work for peace and justice.

“O God, As Troubles Here Increase” is set to KINGSFOLD, the tune for “Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples.” Its biblical reference is Matthew 5:9, 13.

The first verse ends with these lyrics: “They say if 3.5%/protest nonviolently,/then swords of hatred can be bent,/and people can be free.”

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The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

That’s a reference to a study reported by the BBC, Gillette noted: “There are, of course, many ethical reasons to use nonviolent strategies. But compelling research by Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist at Harvard University, conforms that civil disobedience is not only the moral choice, it is also the most powerful way of shaping world politics — by a long way.”

“Looking at hundreds of campaigns over the last century, Chenoweth found that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns. Although the exact dynamics will depend on many factors, she has shown it takes around 3.5% of the population actively participating in the protests to ensure political change.”

The hymn, Gillette said, is in the tradition of “Once to Every Soul [Man] and Nation,” James Russell Lowell’s 18-stanza poem that protested the Mexican War.

Hear singer/songwriter David LaMotte sing Gillette’s hymn here.

Gillette grants permission for free use of her hymn in churches, including in online, streaming worship services. She asks that the hymn be shared with other pastors and musicians for their possible use.

O God, As Troubles Here Increase

KINGSFOLD ("Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples")

O God, as troubles here increase,
we wonder what to do:
Can people who are seeking peace
still change the world for you?
They say if 3.5%
protest nonviolently,
then swords of hatred can be bent,
and people can be free.

It only takes a little salt
to change a loaf of bread,
An act of peace can help to halt
what violence seeks to spread.
It only takes a mighty few
daring to take a stand 
to bring in justice, love, and truth —
to help a hurting land.

It only takes a few to see
and speak with prophet voice,
to challenge our complacency,
to seek the better choice.
O God, when troubles come, we pray:
“Please, won’t you send those few?”
And then we hear the word you say:
“My church, I’m sending you.”

Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service (Click here to read original PNS Story)

Let us join in prayer for:

Spencer Corbett, Housekeeper, Stony Point Center, Interim Unified Agency
Cindy Corell, Interim Unified Agency

Let us pray:

Gracious God, we give thanks that you multiply our small and humble offerings and efforts as we work to care for those in need. We ask that you sharpen our focus on you and on ways we may serve. Amen.