National Anthem

Check out the Jamaican National Anthem!

Eternal Father bless our land,
Guard us with Thy Mighty Hand,
Keep us free from evil powers,
Be our light through countless hours.
To our Leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, Land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call, strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love.
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love.

Is that not a beautiful prayer for a nation?

Sometimes as I look around and see the chasm between that prayer and reality I get confused. But, it doesnt take long to think of the prayers that I can speak beautifully one second and how my heart can pull out something wicked the next. It is not for lack of grace. So, maybe the answer for Jamaica and us is to accept the grace given and continually pursue repentance. To put action to the prayer and seek Him in the God honoring ways the anthem calls us to live.