Verse 1

O God of every time and place, Prevail among us too; Within the city that we love its promise to renew. Our people move with downcast eyes, Tight sullen and afraid; Surprise us with thy joy divine, For we would be remade.

Verse 2

O thou whose will we can resist, But cannot overcome, Forgive our harsh and strident ways The harm that we have done. Like Babel's build =ers long ago We raise our lofty tow'rs, And like them, too our words divide, And pride lays waste our powers.

Verse 3

Our fathers stayed their minds on thee in village farm and plain; Help us their crowded harried kin, No less thy peace to claim. Give us to know that thou dost love Each soul that thou hast made; That size does not diminsh grace Nor concrete hide thy gaze.

Verse 4

Grant us O God who labor here Within this throbbing maze, A forward looking saving hope To galvanize our days. Let Christ who loved Jerusalem And wept its sins to mourn, Make just our laws and pure our hearts; So shall we be reborn.