God Keep Our Land, Glorious and Free

Singing the national anthem is a religious experience for me. It brings together two loves: God and country. Recently I had the opportunity to sing all four verses in English and one in French. As usual, I didn't get through it with dry eyes. (For those unfamiliar with the entire text, I include it below.)

One of the things I love about our anthem is its deep religious significance. The fourth verse pleads:

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our dominion, in thy loving care:
Help us to find, O God, in thee,
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day,
We ever stand on guard.

The chorus continues:

            God keep our land, glorious and free!
            O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
           
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

When I sing those inspired lyrics, I have great desire to be a better citizen and guard for my country. My way of doing so is by trying to live more aligned with my religious convictions. I have observed the same to be true of my friends and associates from other faiths.

As representatives of various religious communities, we have much to offer. As we humbly recognize and try to emulate our Ruler supreme, we increase in integrity and love for one another. I know of no better way to guard our Canadian privileges than with integrity and love.

Each time I sing the national anthem, I resolve to do better. It's my way of contributing to a glorious and free Canada.

O Canada!

O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.

Refrain
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow.
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow.
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western Sea,
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North, strong and free!

Refrain

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western Sea,
Our own beloved native land!
Our True North, strong and free!

Refrain

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our dominion in thy loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day,
We ever stand on guard.

Refrain

This blog contributed by Sandra Pallin, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints