NZ National Anthem

Our friend, Jay Lucas, (24-7 Prayer Director for New Zealand and former YWAM National Director) recently helped record the “extended” version of the New Zealand national anthem with worship artist Cindy Ruakere. This is an excerpt from an article Jay sent to 24-7.

One of the reasons Jay was not able to be at the gathering in Scotland last year, was because he was heading into the studio with Cindy Ruakere to record her latest worship/prayer album. At the last minute it was decided to record a simple version of our National Anthem, God Defend New Zealand. Three weeks ago Cindy released the song for free on the internet, and as of yesterday, the song – a phenomenal prayer – went viral. National TV and radio stations have played it (a 7 minute track!) in its entirety. Tweets and Facebook status’ all over the land show how the song has impacted people in overwhelmingly emotional ways: DJ’s bawling on the floor of their station, Radio Managers teary eyed, people pulling over their cars in tears as the words impact the heart, forming hope and solidarity. Secular New Zealand is understanding, for the first time, our national song:

“God of nations, at Thy feet, in the bonds of love we meet / Let our love for Thee increase, may Thy blessings never cease / Guide us in the nations van, preaching love and truth to man, working out Thy glorious plan, God defend New Zealand.”

Yesterday we had over 3000 hits on our site, and over 1500 downloads of the anthem.

You can download the song and lyrics from the Karakia (prayer in Maori) website: HERE

As you listen, please pray for the calling and purpose of Christchurch (and New Zealand) to be understood by the folks of this fair land.