Isaac Everett

At first the nomads flourished on what God would stir the earth to bring
Until they chose to give control of earthly things to earthly kings
Administrators called for order, dreamers talked of equal freedom
Soldiers walked patrol to keep the needy from the walls of Eden

A stranger came to town, and taught how nature nourishes the birds
Who pay no church or crown, and workers took a break to hear his words
The king’s high priests and bankers heard of speeches he had made
and knew the stranger and his teachings had to be betrayed

Said take this rhythm, take these blues
And may this hymn give strength to you
To bring about God’s kingdom on Earth with everything you do
So take this vision, make it true

The stranger disappeared and yet some dreamers still uphold his cause
Administrators took his words and turned them into holy laws
Engraving idols of the stranger with a golden crown
To terrify the workers with a holy prince to hold them down

And take this rhythm, take these blues
And may this hymn give strength to you
To bring about God’s kingdom on Earth with everything you do
So take this vision, make it true

With strangers, neighbors, saviors, ravers, saints and angels, raise a song
As one with some whose work is done and others here or yet to come

Say take this rhythm, take these blues
And may this hymn give strength to you
To bring about God’s kingdom on Earth with everything you do
So take this vision, make it true

Some he’ll come in judgment, some say the earth will burn
Some say if you don’t praise him you’ll be punished when he returns
But I thought thanks-giving and compassion were the stranger’s way
And love for God and neighbor is a truth that cannot be betrayed

Creator -
We raise up your name and give praise to your reign
As heaven is sacred may Earth be the same
Sustain us this day in your patience and grace
As we forgive neighbors, forgive us our shame
When faced with temptation give strength to refrain
And save us from suffering injustice and hate
The kingdom till the end of days
The power till the end of days
The glory till the end of days
Are your creation, your domain