Choral Akari Archive

For the Healing of the Nations

Hymn Information

Folder: Main IV, no. 47
Tune used, name: 'Dulce Carmen (12345432)'
Composer: from An Essay on the Church Plain Chant, published in 1782; often attributed to Haydn, Michael (1737–1806) in 1792
Lyricist: Kaan, Fred (1929–2009); written in 1965
Copyright (text): © 1968, Hope Publishing Company
Source used for representative text: from hymnary.org, Voices Together #705

Resources and Audios

Sheet music, project file and MIDI:

Audio files (separate parts for Lead, Accompaniment I, Accompaniment II and Bass):

Audio file (all parts combined):

Representative Text

1
For the healing of the nations,
Lord, we pray with one accord,
for a just and equal sharing
of the things that earth affords.
To a life of love in action
help us rise and pledge our word.

2
Lead us forward into freedom;
from despair your world release,
that, redeemed from war and hatred,
all may come and go in peace.
Show us how through care and goodness
fear will die and hope increase.

3
All that kills abundant living,
let it from the earth be banned:
pride of status, race, or schooling,
dogmas that obscure your plan.
In our common quest for justice
may we hallow life’s brief span.

4
You, Creator God, have written
your great name on humankind.
For our growing in your likeness,
bring the life of Christ to mind
that by our response and service
earth its destiny may find.