wfn.org | Terrorist attack-inspired hymn is being widely used

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6844 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

14-September-2001
01326

Terrorist attack-inspired hymn is being widely used

Carolyn Gillette hymn being sung in U.S., England, Indonesia

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - A hymn written by the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette in response
to the devastating terrorist attacks this week in New York and Washington
has quickly spread throughout the world.

	The hymn - "O God, Our Words Cannot Express," sung to the tune of "O God,
Our Help in Ages Past" - has been published in newspapers in Philadelphia
and Chicago, among others.

	Gillette, co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Pitman, N.J., said the
hymn has already been used in prayer services around the country. Friday she
learned that the hymn will be sung at a service in Bristol, England, that
will be broadcast by the BBC radio network. Also Friday, she granted
permission to a pastor in Indonesia to use the hymn in a prayer service this
weekend.

	The hymn has been sent by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to its network
of supporters. Though copyrighted, Gillette has given permission for free
use of the hymn by worshiping communities.

	The full text:

O God, Our Words Cannot Express
(Tune: ST. ANNE CM "O God, Our Help in Ages Past")

O God, our words cannot express
The pain we feel this day.
Enraged, uncertain, we confess
Our need to bow and pray.

We grieve for all who lost their lives...
And for each injured one.
We pray for children, husbands, wives
Whose grief has just begun.

O Lord, we're called to offer prayer
For all our leaders, too.
May they, amid such great despair,
Be wise in all they do.

We trust your mercy and your grace;
In you we will not fear!
May peace and justice now embrace!
Be with your people here!
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