The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #43085   Message #628180
Posted By: Haruo
15-Jan-02 - 01:44 AM
Thread Name: MLK Day Songs
Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
In a church setting you might also try the Troeger hymn God Made From One Blood (the tune is St. Denio):

  1. God made from one blood all the families of earth,
    The circles of nurture that raised us from birth,
    Companions who join us to walk through each stage
    Of childhood and youth and adulthood and age.

  2. We turn to you, God, with our thanks and our fears
    For all of the families we’ve known through the years,
    The intimate networks on whom we depend
    Of parent and partner and roommate and friend.

  3. We learn through our families how closeness and trust
    Increase when our actions are loving and just.
    Yet families have also distorted their roles,
    Mistreating their members and bruising their souls.

  4. Give, Lord, to each family in conflict and storm
    A sense of your wisdom and grace that transform
    Sharp anger to insight which strengthens the heart
    And makes clear the place where rebuilding can start.

  5. Then widen that wisdom and grace to include
    The races and viewpoints our families exclude
    Till peace in each home bears and nurtures the bud
    Of peace shared by all you have made from one blood.

(The tune, if you're unfamiliar with it, is available in MIDI or NWC from The Cyber Hymnal.)

Liland

PS Personally I think this makes a better Mother's Day hymn. But I think Dr. King would have wholeheartedly endorsed its doctrine.