The Century’s Prayer Poem by James Ephraim McGirt

Lord God of Hosts incline thine ear,
To this Thy humble servant's prayer;
May war and strife and discord cease,
This Century, Lord God, give us peace.
The thoughts of strife, the curse of war,
Henceforth, dear Lord, may we abhor,
One blessing more, our store increase,
This is our prayer, Lord, give us peace.

May those who rule us, rule with love,
As Thou dost rule the Courts above;
May man to man as brothers feel,
Lay down their arms and quit the field;
Change from our brows the angry looks,
Turn swords and spears to pruning hooks,
One blessing more our store increase,
This is our prayer, Lord, give us peace.

May flags of war fore'er be furled,
The milk-white flag wave o'er the world;
Let not a slave be heard to cry,
'The lion and lamb together lie;'
May nations meet in one accord,
Around one peaceful festive board.
One blessing more our store increase,
This is our prayer, Lord, give us peace.