These hymns are written and copyrighted by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, with permission given for free use to Standing Rock supporters.

   We Were Born Out of the Waters

NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

We were born out of the waters that give life to all the earth.

We were made God’s sons and daughters at the font of our rebirth.

Every day, God’s waters bless us! We are nourished and renewed;

For the waters that surround us give us life and health and food.

Just as rivers join each other, all creation joins in song.

All of nature works together, bold and beautiful and strong.

Fish that fill a flowing river, springs of water from below

Daily point us to the Giver from whom blessings overflow.

God, we hear the troubling thunder of the shouts of “Profit first!”

Land and streams are torn asunder till creation cries in thirst.

God, we thirst for healthy waters and for justice for the land,

As your faithful sons and daughters, may we rise to take a stand.

God who made the whole creation, with its rivers, fields and streams,

You have given us a vision of what caring for them means.

May we care for all your waters, for your land, for sky above;

May we serve you as protectors of this world that you so love.

Biblical texts: Genesis 1-2; John 3:16

Tune: Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music, 1813

Text: Copyright © 2017 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.

Email: bcgillette@comcast.net    New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com

Permission given for free use of this hymn to Standing Rock supporters

O God of Life, Your Waters Flow

8.8.8.8.D SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER

O God of life, your waters flow

And make all life on earth to grow.

Your springs rise up and rains fall down

On fertile field and sandy ground.

Refrain:

May we be wise to know the worth

Of clean, clear rivers, sky and earth.

May all your children take a stand,

Protecting water, tending land.

Yet greed can rise up to destroy

The things you give us to enjoy.

This world too often won’t respect

The things you call us to protect.

Refrain

May justice roll like waters down

And streams of righteousness abound.

May we push on and never cease

To stand for justice, truth and peace.

Refrain

Tune: William Bradbury 1861

Text: Copyright © 2017 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.

Email: bcgillette@comcast.net  Web site: www.carolynshymns.com

Permission given for free use of this hymn to Standing Rock supporters.