This is My Song, ELW 887
Devotion
This has to be one of my favorite hymns even though we don't sing it very often. Part of my affection is related to the use of the tune Finlandia, which comes from the Hymn section of the symphonic poem of the same name by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The hymn has an interesting history in its associations with the struggle for Finnish independence from Russia as well as additional words penned by Lloyd Stone and Georgia Harkness that express a desire for universal peace and unity under God's authority. Stone wrote what has become the first two stanzas in 1934, during a time of peace between WWI and WWII.
It shows a great appreciation for his homeland while at the same time recognizing that others have a similar love for their own respective lands. At the same time, the poem articulates a deep hope that peace will endure. Harkness adds a deeper Christian message incorporating the third petition of the Lord’s Prayer.
As I write this, world tensions are again rising. There is no peace for many throughout the world. Perhaps this hymn can inspire a sense of hopeful imagination for a world that lives in peace.
Prayer
O God of all the nations, inspire your people to work towards a lasting peace for all the nations. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us a desire for your peace and the will to work towards it. Amen.
(The version of the words to this hymn may be found by following this link: https://prometheusli.com/musings/a_song_of_peace.htm, verses 1, 2, and 5 are the ones printed in the ELW.)