God of the poor,
friend of the weak,
give us compassion, we pray:
melt our cold hearts,
let tears fall like rain;
come, change our love
from a spark to a flame.

Shelter for fragile lives,
cures for their ills,
work for the craftsmen,
trade for their skills.
Land for the dispossessed,
rights for the weak,
voices to plead the cause
of those who can’t speak.

Refuge from cruel wars,
havens from fear,
cities for sanctu’ry,
freedoms to share.
Peace to the killing fields,
scorched earth to green,
Christ for the bitterness,
his cross for the pain.

Rest for the ravaged earth,
oceans and streams,
plundered and poisoned –
our future, our dreams.
Lord, end our madness,
carelessness, greed,
make us content with
the things that we need.

Lighten our darkness,
breathe on this flame,
until your justice burns
brightly again;
until the nations
learn of your ways,
seek your salvation
and bring you their praise.