Tomorrow we go to the polling booths. In just over 24 hours we could have a new leader in government - but then again we could have the same leader. In recent days the words of one of New Zealand's National Anthems (NZ has two national anthems of equal standing: 'God Defend New Zealand' and 'God Save the Queen') has been on my heart. I say heart, because the words are an incredible hymn of prayer and praise to our God.
The first time I really listened to the words and understood them was years ago when we sang it in church. I think it's the only time I've ever sung a national anthem in church and it left a marked impression. Up until that time I had stood silently when the New Zealand National Anthem was sung. It wasn't my anthem and I felt that by not singing it I remained true to my own anthem and heritage. But since that day, I sing it not with patriotic passion but with praise to our God and Heavenly Father.
I must admit that I do wonder how our Prime Minister (and others like her) who do not believe in God are able to sing this anthem. I'll share the words here and you'll be able to understand why I've made that statement.
Nowadays the anthem begins with the first verse in Māori, followed by the first verse in English. The remaining verses are rarely sung but the words are just as powerful in the remaining verses as in the first:
E Ihowā Atua,
O ngā iwi mātou rā
Āta whakarangona;
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai;
Kia tau tō atawhai;
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country's spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
For those that want to listen to the words: New Zealand's Haley Westenra singing the national anthem.
The first time I really listened to the words and understood them was years ago when we sang it in church. I think it's the only time I've ever sung a national anthem in church and it left a marked impression. Up until that time I had stood silently when the New Zealand National Anthem was sung. It wasn't my anthem and I felt that by not singing it I remained true to my own anthem and heritage. But since that day, I sing it not with patriotic passion but with praise to our God and Heavenly Father.
I must admit that I do wonder how our Prime Minister (and others like her) who do not believe in God are able to sing this anthem. I'll share the words here and you'll be able to understand why I've made that statement.
Nowadays the anthem begins with the first verse in Māori, followed by the first verse in English. The remaining verses are rarely sung but the words are just as powerful in the remaining verses as in the first:
E Ihowā Atua,
O ngā iwi mātou rā
Āta whakarangona;
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai;
Kia tau tō atawhai;
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country's spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
For those that want to listen to the words: New Zealand's Haley Westenra singing the national anthem.
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