Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 46:9, Isa. 2:4, Mic. 4:3
st. 2 = Ps. 78:3-4
ref. = Ps. 29: 11
Written by Henry W. Baker (PHH 342) and entitled "The Lord Shall Give His People the Blessing of Peace," this text was published in the 1861 edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern. Baker was chairman of the committee that prepared this landmark hymnal. The Psalter Hymnal omits the original fourth stanza.
Because the sin of war is always present in our world, this profound prayer for peace or shalom is continuously relevant. As we sing, we pray for a cease-fire among hostile peoples, for reconciliation among warring factions (st. 1). But it is only because of God's faithfulness and mercy, his "works of old," and not from human efforts that true peace will come (st. 2). Like the Old Testament psalms that affirm God's saving deeds, this text testifies that only God can be trusted to provide a lasting peace (st. 3). "O God of Love" has an unforgettable litany refrain, "Give peace, O God, give peace again!"
Liturgical Use:
Because war, revolution, strife, and the spirit of contention are rampant in our world and because the Christian church should be engaged in peace efforts and prayers for peace, this hymn is appropriate for many occasions of worship.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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O God of love, O King of Peace. Sir H. W. Baker. [In Time of Trouble.] Written for and first published in Hymns Ancient & Modern, 1861. It has been repeated in several collections. In Alford's Year of Praise, 1867, it is attributed to "Cowper" in error.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
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