Lord we Pray for Golden Peace

This is a hymn about peace and social justice. The second verse originally started "Keep all men for ever one", but is now published and usually sung as "Keep us all for ever one".

It was written by South African born lay Franciscan, Sebastian Temple (1928-1997), and originally published on the album "Sing! People of God Sing!", released by Franciscan Communications in 1967. The title on this album was Prayer For Peace", however it is now usually known by the first line, ie "Lord we Pray for Golden Peace" because there are so many other songs called "Prayer for Peace".

Although the song is not know widely used in America or the UK, it appears to be used as a school song and for teaching in Asia and India and the Middle East.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Temple. This has a 6/8 time signature. In the key of E, the first few notes of the melody are G_ F E_ F G_ F G_, and the entire song can be played with the chords of E, B7, A and C#m.

Books it was published in include:

20th Century Folk Hymnal, Volume 2, 1975
Book of Worship for United States Forces, 1986
Enlarged Songs of Praise (no details known)
Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, McCrimmon Publications, England 2012 (and likely earlier editions too).

The last book in this list is currently in-print, and is the best source of sheet music for the song.

Downloads

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Examples

Small school choir with electronic keyboard backing

Singer with electronic keyboard

Small group, keyboard backing

Instrumental - electronic keyboard

Lyrics

Lord we pray for golden peace,
Peace all over the land
Where all people dwell in liberty,
Walking hand in hand.

Chorus:
Banish fear and ignorance, hunger thirst and pain
Banish hate and poverty;
Let no one live in vain,
Let no one live in vain,

Keep us all for ever one, one in love and grace,
Wipe away all war and strife,
Give freedom to each race,
Give freedom to each race.

Let Your justice reign supreme and
Righteousness be done
Let goodness rule the hearts of all,
Evil be overcome,
Evil be overcome.