Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#345

345. Not alone for mighty empire

1 Not alone for mighty empire
Stretching far o'er land and sea,
Not alone for bounteous harvests,
Lift we up our hearts to thee:
Standing in the living present,
Memory and hope between,
Lord, we would with deep thanksgiving
Praise thee most for things unseen.

2 Not for battleship and fortress,
Not for conquests of the sword,
But for conquests of the spirit
Give we thanks to thee, O Lord;
For the heritage of freedom,
For the home, the church, the school,
For the open door to manhood
In a land the people rule. A-men.

3 For the armies of the faithful,
Souls that passed and left no name;
For the glory that illumines
Patriot lives of deathless fame;
For our prophets and apostles,
Loyal to the living word,
For all heroes of the spirit,
Give we thanks to thee, O Lord.

4 God of justice, save the people
From the clash of race and creed,
From the strife of class and faction,
Make our nation free indeed;
Keep her faith in simple manhood
Strong as when her life began,
Till it find its full fruition
In the brotherhood of man!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Not alone for mighty empire
• Author: William Pierson Merrill, 1867-1954
• Meter: 87, 87. D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: The Life In Christ: Thanksgiving; Church Life and Work: City, Nation, World
• Copyright: Words copyright by William Pierson Merrill. Used by permission.
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVA
• Composer: Gardiner M. Day, b. 1883
• Meter: 87, 87. D.
• Key: f minor
• Copyright: Music by permission of George H. Day.
• Notes: This hymn may also be sung to HYFRYDOL (No. 397)