‘O God of All Creation’ can be freely used in worship services and in support of relief efforts
by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service
Photo by David Beale via Unsplash
LOUISVILLE — Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has written a new hymn, “O God of All Creation,” after Hurricane Fiona brought devastation to Puerto Rico and other islands in the Caribbean before turning toward the Maritime provinces in Canada.
“This new hymn was written after severe storms caused massive flooding and damage in Pakistan, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other places,” Gillette wrote. “It is written in a general way so that it can be used in the future after other hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, which are unfortunately becoming more severe due to climate change.”
The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette
The new hymn is set to Samuel Sebastian Wesley’s “AURELIA,” the tune for “The Church’s One Foundation.” Winfrey Gillette grants permission for churches to use the lyrics in worship and in support of relief efforts.
O God of All Creation
O God of all creation, as ocean waters warm,
we grieve the devastation that comes with violent storms.
We pray for people struggling — who need your help and grace
on every flooded island and in each flooded place.
We pray for all your children, so dearly loved by you,
who know such great destruction as winds and rains crash through.
We pray for all those hurting, who grieve for what is gone —
for neighbors, friends and siblings who struggle to go on.
We pray, O Lord, for churches that help to build anew.
We pray for rescue workers and all the good they do.
We pray for those with vision who serve as they restore —
who make homes more efficient and stronger than before.
O Christ who calmed the waters and stilled the stormy seas,
You teach us: “Love your neighbors!” and “Humbly care for these!”
Now lead us by your Spirit to gladly lend a hand —
on every struggling island and in each hurting land.
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Categories: Environment
Tags: aurelia, climate change, hurricane fiona, o god of all creation, rev. carolyn winfrey gillette, the church's one foundation
Ministries: Environmental Issues