A traditionally styled hymn, but written in the 80s, with words by Anthony Kelly and music by Christopher Willcock. Listen to the sample at AOV to get the idea.
This was the official hymn for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Australia in 1986.
My backing is all fake brass and organ.
1. Lord of life and Lord of nations,
Giving peace, you make us one,
Heart of flesh for heart of stone,
Break the walls of all divisions.
Your Kingdom come with this its sign:
Our song, this prayer: let peace now reign!
2. Lengths of love beyond all measure,
Heights of love which now do call,
Breadth of love as room for all,
Depths of love where hides the treasure:
Through Christ, our Way, we find true peace,
A world made whole in God’s embrace.
3. Visions new and ancient dreaming,
See the love beyond all death;
New the heavens new the earth,
Promise of the Kingdom coming.
Through Christ, the wounds of all this world.
In God’s own peace will then be healed.
© Anthony Kelly CSSR and Christopher Willcock SJ 1986.
We use this hymn as out sending forth at Australia Day and ANZAC Day Masses. The people sing this well and it works well.