Scripture References:
st. 2 = Isa. 2:4
st. 4 = Isa. 9:5-7

In 1958 William W. Reid, Jr. (PHH 597), submitted this hymn text to a contest sponsored by the Hymn Society of America in conjunction with the Department of International Affairs of the National Council of Churches. The text won first place and was sung at the opening session of the Fifth World Order Study Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 13-21, 1958. It was published in the Hymn Society's Twelve New World Order Hymns (1958).

"O God of Every Nation" is a beautiful prayer for God's shalom to reign over the whole world; for truth, love, and justice to preside over human affairs; and for an end to Warfare with its "trust in bombs that shower destruction" (st. 2). As war and rumors of War continue to plague our world; the final stanza holds before us the vision of a new heaven and earth in which "Christ shall rule victorious."

Liturgical Use:
In times of war or when you want to express your solidarity with others who are in war torn areas; peace services and similar occasions that stress Christian servanthood and social responsibilities; Advent.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook