Father of all earthly life

This is a hymn dealing with the tragedy of abortion. Murder is a horrible sin because it not only deprives someone of their choice to live, but also because of the spiritual damage it does to those who commit the murder. The zeal with which people rationalize murder in any form, but particularly when it is practiced against babes in the womb, should drive all of us to pray for divine healing and change. None of us but God knows the end of this scourge on the physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of our brothers and sisters worldwide. But as God has seen fit to use imperfect men and women to bring about his purposes before, might he not do so again as we pray to him and cheerfully do all in our power?

Let us not smother the cries of the wounded and dead; let us work with the great Healer of souls till every life is precious and every soul has felt the strength of the love of God.

Father of all earthly life,

Lord of worlds enthroned,

Sacred blood defiles our land;

Heaven’s pillars groan.

Father we are pained for sin,

Deeds time cannot heal;

How shall we abide the wrath

Of thy wounded zeal?

Even Christ the Lord of all

Shrunk ’neath sin’s great weight;

Who shall this unworthy land

Save now from her fate?

Healing and compassion come

Lord alone from Thee.

Oh Deliv’rer of the meek,

Hear our anguished plea!

Send a message from above

That will peace afford,

Purge unclean and bloody hands,

By Thy Spirit’s word.

O Lord if it may be so,

Let our children dead,

Know the sorrow that we feel

That their blood was shed,

And may we through Jesus’ grace,

Which surpasses all,

Meet them one day face to face,

In Thy hallowed hall,

Cleansed from every wicked thought,

Knowing as we’re known,

Born again to never die

Through thy grace alone.

1 Cor. 13:12; Mosiah 27:25-26; Alma 34:6, 12

Link to sheet music