For the Healing of the Nations

Hymn lyrics and .mp3 Download

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1. For the healing of the nations, Lord, we pray with one accord, for a just and equal sharing of the things that earth affords. To a life of love in action help us rise and pledge our word.

2. Lead us forward into freedom, from despair your world release, that, redeemed from war and hatred, all may come and go in peace. Show us how through care and goodness fear will die and hope increase.

3. All that kills abundant living, let it from the earth be banned: pride of status, race or schooling, dogmas that obscure your plan. In our common quest for justice may we hallow brief life's span.

4. You, Creator God, have written your great name on humankind; for our growing in your likeness bring the life of Christ to mind; that by our response and service earth its destiny may find.

Words by: Fred Kaan
Music by: John Hughes

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Story of the hymn For the Healing of the Nations

Background and Origin

Fred Kaan wrote the text in 1965 specifically for a Human Rights Day service (December 10) at Pilgrim Church in Plymouth, England, where he was serving as minister. Kaan’s life profoundly shaped his hymn-writing. Born in Haarlem, Netherlands, he lived through the Nazi occupation during World War II. He witnessed severe hardship (including family members dying of starvation) and saw his parents actively involved in the resistance, sheltering refugees.

These experiences turned him into a pacifist and fueled his lifelong commitment to justice, reconciliation, and human rights. He later studied in Britain and was ordained in 1955. The hymn reflects his passion for addressing real-world issues like poverty, war, prejudice, and inequality through a Christian lens of love in action. It has become one of his most widely published and sung works, appearing in dozens of hymnals.

Key Uses and Impact

It was used at significant international events, such as the 25th anniversary service of the United Nations at Geneva Cathedral and the 50th anniversary of the International Labor Organization. The hymn has been sung on various public and church occasions related to peace, remembrance, and social justice. Its title inspired the biography of Fred Kaan by Gillian Warson.

Themes and Structure

The four stanzas form a prayer:
Justice and sharing of the earth’s resources.
Freedom from despair, war, and hatred.
Overcoming forces that destroy abundant life (pride, racism, rigid dogmas).
Humanity’s creation in God’s image and the call to reflect Christ’s life through service.

It is typically sung to strong, majestic tunes such as WESTMINSTER ABBEY (often associated with it since a 1973 “Come and Sing” event at Westminster Abbey), CWM RHONDDA, or REGENT SQUARE.

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