God Of Our Fathers

Tina also wanted this hymn, which is another one new to me.  That is not surprising as it the American national hymn written for the centennial of their declaration of independence, an event of less interest elsewhere.

It was written by Daniel C Roberts and George W. Warren and there is a blurb about it here with a MIDI file to listen to. I’ve seen it as “God of All Ages” and there are various sites to download tabs, sheet music etc for money or for free on the net.

I had terrible trouble getting this one going so I apologise if the backings are less than stellar. I had several goes in several styles so take your pick of these three.

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.