Why Jesus Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane
Mar 08, 2026
O Church of God, United
Lyrics
1. O church of God, united
to serve one common Lord,
proclaim to all one message,
with hearts in glad accord.
Christ ever goes before us;
we follow day by day
with strong and eager footsteps
along the upward way.
to serve one common Lord,
proclaim to all one message,
with hearts in glad accord.
Christ ever goes before us;
we follow day by day
with strong and eager footsteps
along the upward way.
2. From every land and nation
the ordered ranks appear;
to serve one valiant leader
they come from far and near.
They chant their one confession,
they praise one living Lord,
and place their sure dependence
upon his saving word.
the ordered ranks appear;
to serve one valiant leader
they come from far and near.
They chant their one confession,
they praise one living Lord,
and place their sure dependence
upon his saving word.
3. Though creeds and tongues may differ,
they speak, O Christ, of thee;
and in thy loving spirit
we shall one people be.
Lord, may our faithful service
and singleness of aim
proclaim to all the power
of thy redeeming name.
they speak, O Christ, of thee;
and in thy loving spirit
we shall one people be.
Lord, may our faithful service
and singleness of aim
proclaim to all the power
of thy redeeming name.
4. May thy great prayer be answered
that we may all be one,
close bound, by love united
in thee, God's blessed Son:
to bring a single witness,
to make the pathway bright,
that souls which grope in darkness
may find the one true light.
that we may all be one,
close bound, by love united
in thee, God's blessed Son:
to bring a single witness,
to make the pathway bright,
that souls which grope in darkness
may find the one true light.
Bible Reference
Ephesians 4:3–6; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13; John 17:21; Matthew 28:19–20
About This Hymn
“O Church of God, United” is a hymn written in 1938 by Frederick Bevan Morley, an English minister and hymn writer. The hymn was composed to emphasize the unity of the Christian church and the shared mission of believers throughout the world. It became widely known after being included in several twentieth century hymnals and is often sung to encourage cooperation and fellowship among Christians.
The hymn reflects the biblical teaching that the church is one body made up of many members. This idea comes from 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, which explains that believers are joined together through the work of the Holy Spirit. Morley’s hymn celebrates this spiritual unity and reminds Christians that their common faith in Christ unites them across nations, cultures, and traditions.
Another important theme in the hymn is the call to maintain unity within the church. Ephesians 4:3–6 urges believers to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, recognizing that there is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. The hymn echoes this teaching by encouraging believers to work together in harmony and love.
The hymn also reflects the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21, where He asks that His followers may be one so that the world may believe that the Father sent Him. Christian unity therefore becomes a testimony to the truth of the gospel and a witness to the world.
In addition to unity, the hymn emphasizes the mission of the church. Matthew 28:19–20 records the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Morley’s hymn calls believers to participate together in this mission of proclaiming the gospel.
“O Church of God, United” continues to be sung in many congregations as a reminder that the church is called to live in unity, serve together, and carry the message of Christ to the world. Through its message, the hymn encourages believers to remain faithful to their shared calling as the people of God.
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Hymn Information
- Category: Hymn
- Tune: ELLACOMBE
- Meter: 7.6.7.6.D
- Author/Writer: Frederick B. Morley (1953)
- Added: March 11, 2026
- Last Updated: March 11, 2026
- Views: 20
To view the author's biography, click their name above.
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