Here’s an hymn that is oft sung in our church. It is a hymn written to help celebrate a national holiday but speaks much to God’s care for his people and our thankfulness to him for all he leads us through.
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.
Later he was invited to submit his hymn for inclusion in Episcopal Church hymnal on which Mr. Warren was a committee member. He was the organist for the celebrations of the 100 years since adopting the Constitution. The committee wanted to use the song for their celebrations but didn’t want to use a tune called “Russian hymn” so Mr. Warren wrote a new tune called “National Hymn”.
Ever since that 100 year celebration this hymn has become widely known and is included in many hymnals.
Scripture associated with this hymn is Psalm 46:7 where we read
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Sources:
Lectionary.org.
CyberHymnal.
Center for Church Music.