the national anthem

In honor of ANZAC day, a national holiday to honor the Australia and NZ Army Corps, we sang the national anthem of NZ at church today. As I fumbled along, out of tune, I felt a sense of love for this nation and a strong desire to, as the last verse says: "preach love and truth to man, working out God's glorious plan. Striking that such a secular country had such faithful roots!

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.

E Ihoā Atua,

O ngā iwi mātou rā;

Āta whakarongona,

Me aroha noa;

Kia hua ko te pai

Kia tau to ata whai;

Manaakitia mai

Aotearoa

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

(I've omitted a few verses for the sake of space, but do look it up and listen to it!)