Great God, we want a fairer world!
A plea for help in the struggle for justice, drawing on Elijah’s struggle and God’s response
Tune: Repton (Dear God and…) 

Great God, we want a fairer world,
an end to foolish ways;
a world where might is not the right
and vested int’rests lose their fight,
where kindness fills our days,
where justice is our praise.

Yet now, the foolishness runs on
and justice has no claim;
white privilege sustains itself
and crushes those of equal worth
and truth is daily slain
and hope seems almost vain.

And whilst the squabbles of the haves
disrupt, distract, deceive,
the world itself is burning up
our foolishness just will not stop;
“Is there no help?” we plead,
“God help us in our need!”

Great God who sent Elijah out
to challenge selfish pow’r,
to stand alone on Carmel’s height,
and win through in his fight for right,
God, fit us for this hour,
let our rebellion flow’r.

And should we find the struggle fierce,
and fear we’ll not succeed,
revive, restore, renew our drive,
thro’ quake, wind, fire keep hope alive,
still speak to meet our need,
‘til true change is agreed.

Great God, let’s build a fairer world,
and end these foolish ways;
make sure that might is not the right
and vested int’rests lose their fight,
‘til kindness fills our days,
‘til justice is our praise.

This hymn is ‘freely available for use’.

Photo: Contemplation screen image, Salisbury United Reformed Church Zoom service