National Days
Unbound editor Adam Tice has curated a list of recent sung prayers for our nation and the world.
Independence Day in the United States sparks debates among church musicians every year. Should secular and national observances inform our worship services? Is singing praise of a particular nation compatible with singing praise of a God who is beyond boundaries? At the very least, perhaps most of us can agree that we should pray for our nation (and all nations); but even then, the content of those prayers will inevitably be perceived as divisive by some.
2026 is especially fraught. Music itself has made headlines as major musicians are electing not to participate in partisan rallies linking the nation’s 250th birthday to a particular political perspective. Now, as ever, praying for peace and healing is an essential expression of patriotism. Beyond that assertion I do not intend to open a debate on whether or not national songs belong in worship. There are plenty of online forums where that can be discussed–if one has the stomach for it! Instead I want to share some recent sung prayers for our nation and the world. They will not all be appropriate for every setting–as always, “your mileage may vary” as you discern what is right for your congregation. See also this recent post on the GIA Sacred Music Substack, which includes choral and instrumental options in addition to congregational songs.
We Weep a River of Our Tears
Two Unbound texts use the tunes of familiar national songs. The most recent is Chris Shelton’s “We Weep a River of Our Tears,” which poignantly addresses feelings of disillusionment with the course of the nation. In the commentary Shelton reminds us that the second stanza of “America the Beautiful” includes a prayer that “God mend” America’s “every flaw.” Drawing upon the Psalms and using the tune MATERNA, this is a potent lament for our time.
Let Freedom Ring!
W. Michael Fortson’s “Let Freedom Ring!” (sung to AMERICA) also serves as a reminder that the nation’s highest ideals will not be realized “till all in one accord find liberty.”
FINLANDIA, although it is the national song of Finland, has become closely associated with praying for peace through its pairing with “This Is My Song.” Here are three recent pieces using the same tune to pray for the nation and the world.
May We Be Free
Text by Hannah C. Brown
Teach Us Your Peace
Text by David Bjorlin (The second audio preview is an additional tune by Gregg Scheer)
A Place Called Home
Text by J. Michael Joncas
Here are some other recent songs of protest:
How Can We Sing, Andrew Donaldson (see also this reflection by Lindy Thompson)
Christ Is With Us When We Protest, Eli Cooper-Nelson
See also this post on protest songs.
Here are some additional songs that may be of interest.