I learned this song in Girl Scout camp (in the 60s). There was an bit we always sang before the words listewd above -- don't know if they are a proper intro to the original song, or if someone put two songs together, but here they are:

A plea for one world
Is heard in many different lands
This is the cry (plea?) of a world that is hungry for
Peace, I ask of thee oh river... etc

Cheers,

Vikki Appleton Fielden