Presbyterian hymn-writer pens ‘O God of Love, This Is a Time of Turning’

LOUISVILLE — The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, a prolific Presbyterian hymn-writer, this week published “O God of Love, This Is a Time of Turning,” set to FINLANDIA (“Be Still, My Soul.”)

“This new hymn is a prayer that we will choose God's way of love, justice, compassion, and kindness, in times of conflict and violence — with a special concern for our immigrant neighbors,” she said. "May we stand firm for truth and peace and justice; may we leave fear and hatred far behind."

The music with lyrics is here.

"Please share it with others to support peace, justice and love in our troubled nation and world,” she said. Permission is given for the text and music’s free use, including streaming online.

O God of Love, This is a Time of Turning

FINLANDIA ("Be Still, My Soul”)

O God of love, this is a time of turning —

a time of change, with conflict in the news.

For in our land, some mighty winds are churning;

There’s much at stake that we could gain or lose.

Love sings out strong, yet fires of hate are burning;

O God of all, you call us all to choose.

O God of peace, we hear your gracious promise:

Your love can heal the hearts of humankind.

May we stand firm for truth and peace and justice;

May we leave fear and hatred far behind.

May we sing out, and — singing— be a witness,

and show resolve to work for what is kind.

O God of all, of immigrant and neighbor,

of those in power — and of the refugee,

You give us all our common life and labor —

our common hope, the peace we long to see.

God, may we turn and be made strong together.

May we seek justice, love and unity.

O God of love, have mercy on your churches;

Take from our hearts our paralyzing fear.

Give us new faith! Make us courageous workers.

Help us to labor on from year to year

When other voices call out to distract us,

May we choose well and seek your kingdom here.