1 When will people cease their fighting?
When will armies wage no war,
Nations conquer not their neighbor,
Weapons idle, used no more?
When will guns and bombs be silent?
When captives be set free?
All creation groans in longing
For the world's true liberty.
2 Floods and earthquakes, drought and famine
Plague the world with awesome ill,
But far greater is war's horror
Caused by human, stubborn will.
Blest are those who, working, praying
Purpose in their hearts to be
Instruments of peace,
committed to the nation's harmony.
3 As we strive for peace with vigor,
Hoping to be shown the way,
We are strengthened in the knowledge
Of a future, perfect day;
For we know that deeper, richer,
Peace is ours when Christ shall reign:
Then will all our swords be plow-shares
And God's children free from pain.
