Across our planet earth there bleed the wounds of war,

With livelihoods destroyed and cherished homes no  more;

The people flee, abused and scarred and travelling far,

Poor refugees.

Across our planet earth the wounds of war go deep

With generations taught their national myths to keep.

And wealth accrues – who make the shells, their shares do well,

They seldom lose.

Our damaged planet earth, a victim of our greed,

Where anger, fear and hate drown out the victims’ pleas.

When shall we see a blessed peace,

Where wars have ceased, and unity?

Upon our planet earth a prisoner hung on high;

The Powers had him killed, the crowd yelled “Crucify”

But in his death, that we might live, he cried “forgive”,

His dying breath.

Your kingdom come on earth; may this be more than prayer,

So may we live and give and work for justice here;

May we do right – Lord, make us those whose actions show

Your shafts of light.

Peter Reiss (1962-2024) composed this hymn to be sung to the tune: My song is love unknown, by John Ireland (1879-1962).