God, how can we comprehend — though we've seen them times before.
Lines of people without end fleeing danger, want, and war?
They seek safety anywhere, hoping for a welcome hand!
Can we know the pain they bear? Help us, Lord, to understand!

You put music in their souls; now they struggle to survive.
You gave each one gifts and goals; now they flee to stay alive.
God of outcasts, may we see how you value everyone,
For each homeless refugee is your daughter or your son.

Lord, your loving knows no bounds; you have conquered death for all.
May we hear beyond our towns to our distant neighbors' call.
Spirit, may our love increase; may we reach to all your earth,
Till your whole world lives in peace; till we see each person's worth.

Biblical Reference: Luke 15:1, Matthew 25:31-46, John 3:16; Colossians 1:20; John 14:26-27.

Text: Copyright (c) by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, 1999, rev. ed. 2001. All rights reserved.

Permission is given for free use by the author for any congregation supporting the relief efforts for refugees.
Email: bcgillette@comcast.net

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today’s Worship (Geneva Press, 2000) and co-pastor of the Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. A complete list of her hymns is available.