The waters have lifted up their voice; the hills resound with song; from greatest to least all creatures join to move the chant along. Shall humankind alone be mute amid creation's praise? Forgetting who gave us life and breath, have we no hymn to raise? The anthem the morning stars began as worlds were brought to birth has nourished through each succeeding age the creature-songs of earth. Yet words are ours alone to weave with sounds beyond our reach, for God has bestowed on human tongues the holy gift of speech. How lightly we value words that flow with little thought or care, the pious expected formulas in spoken phrase or prayer; but words entwined with music call for weight, for strength and grace, for praise that will set our spirits free, for truth we can embrace. Give voice to our song-starved faith, O God, grant pent-up hymns release; revive your creative joy through us as instruments of peace. Attune our hearts to do your will, and let our life-notes blend like rivers of praise forever joined in songs that never end.