LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for the World Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants

This is a list of suggested hymns for the World Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants.

The aim is that most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing.

However the number of free-use hymns about these topics is limited, and so a number of hymns that are still be copyright are also included - it is likely that there are many more still which would be suitable.

About this day

World Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants is usually observed on a Sunday. Originally it was close to the United Nation's observance of International Migrant Day. which led to it being marked in in January, after Advent / Christmas period. More recently it has been held on the last Sunday in September.

In general, the day asks people to pray for and offer practical support to people who have left their home, either voluntarily or because they were in danger. The details vary between countries, depending on whether a nation has more immigrants or people who have left.. And each year, there is a message focussing on aspects of refugee and migrant experience that the Church believes need to be addressed.

A scriptural basis for understanding the nature of being a refugee can be based on Mary and Joseph's flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).

The hymn suggestions below are based on the general ideas of the needs of migrants and refugees, and the Christian response to the. Other options include popular hymns from the home-country of immigrants to your area. Hymns about mercy may also include some useful suggestions.

Free-use hymns

All Ye Who Seek a Comfort Sure

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

In Christ There is No East or West

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life

Hymns which may still be copyright

As Saints of Old Their First Fruits Brought - von Christierson

Behold a Broken World - Dudley-Smith

Building the Future Together - Gomez / Nucup (source)

Draw the Circle Wide - Light

Flight into Egypt - Uher

For the Healing of the Nations - Kaan

Gentle Joseph Heard a Warning - Daw (1990)

Help Us Accept Each Other - Kaan

Here I Am, Lord - Schutte

How Can We Name a Love - Wren

Jesu, Jesu

Jesus Entered Egypt - Tice

Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands

O God of Every Nation - Reid

Refugee - Grenfell-Muir

Stranger Standing at my Door - Murray

This is My Song - Stone

We Meet You, O Christ in Many a Guise - Kaan

When I Needed a Neighbour

When Jesus was a Refugee - Mary Nelson Keithahn (2002)

Who are These Strangers - Gibson

Who will Speak if We Don't - Haugen