Why Jesus Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane
Mar 08, 2026
Let My People Seek Their Freedom
Lyrics
1. Let my people seek their freedom
in the wilderness awhile,
from the slave pens of the Delta,
from the ghettos on the Nile:
So God spoke from out of Sinai,
so God spoke and it was done,
and a people crossed the waters
toward the rising of the sun.
in the wilderness awhile,
from the slave pens of the Delta,
from the ghettos on the Nile:
So God spoke from out of Sinai,
so God spoke and it was done,
and a people crossed the waters
toward the rising of the sun.
2. Let my people seek their freedom
in the wilderness awhile,
from the aging shrines and structures,
from the cloister and the aisle:
so the Son of God has spoken,
and the storm clouds are unfurled,
for God's people must be scattered
to be servants in the world.
in the wilderness awhile,
from the aging shrines and structures,
from the cloister and the aisle:
so the Son of God has spoken,
and the storm clouds are unfurled,
for God's people must be scattered
to be servants in the world.
3. When we murmur on the mountains
for the old Egyptian plains,
when we miss our ancient bondage,
and the hope, the promise, wanes;
then the rock shall yield its water
and the manna fall by night,
and with visions of a future
shall we march toward the light.
for the old Egyptian plains,
when we miss our ancient bondage,
and the hope, the promise, wanes;
then the rock shall yield its water
and the manna fall by night,
and with visions of a future
shall we march toward the light.
4. In the maelstrom of the nations,
in the journeying into space,
in the clash of generations,
in the hungering for grace,
in the agony and glory,
we are called to newer ways
by the Lord of our tomorrows
and the God of earth s todays.
in the journeying into space,
in the clash of generations,
in the hungering for grace,
in the agony and glory,
we are called to newer ways
by the Lord of our tomorrows
and the God of earth s todays.
Bible Reference
Exodus 3:7–10; Exodus 5:1; Luke 4:18; Galatians 5:1
About This Hymn
“Let My People Seek Their Freedom” is a hymn written by Herbert O’Driscoll, an Irish born Anglican priest, author, and hymn writer. The hymn reflects the biblical theme of liberation and God’s concern for people who suffer under oppression. It draws inspiration from the story of the Israelites in Egypt and applies its message to the Christian understanding of justice, freedom, and compassion.
The central theme of the hymn comes from the story of the Exodus. In Exodus 3:7–10, God tells Moses that He has seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and has come down to rescue them. God sends Moses to Pharaoh with the command found in Exodus 5:1, “Let my people go.” This event became a powerful symbol of God’s desire for justice and deliverance for those who are oppressed.
O’Driscoll’s hymn reflects on this biblical story and encourages believers to remember that God continues to care about human suffering and injustice. The message of freedom is not only historical but also spiritual and social. Christians are reminded that faith in God calls them to work for dignity, mercy, and justice in the world.
The hymn also echoes the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18, where Christ declares that He has been anointed to proclaim good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed. In the ministry of Jesus, the theme of liberation continues as part of God’s plan to restore and heal humanity.
Another related theme appears in Galatians 5:1, where believers are reminded that Christ has set them free and that they should live in the freedom that God provides. The hymn encourages worshipers to respond to God’s call by seeking both spiritual freedom and a society marked by justice and compassion.
“Let My People Seek Their Freedom” is often used in services that focus on themes of justice, social responsibility, and Christian commitment to the well being of others. Through its message, the hymn reminds believers that the God who liberated His people in the past still calls His followers to seek freedom, dignity, and hope for all people.
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Hymn Information
- Category: Hymn
- Tune: EBENEZER
- Composer(s): Thomas John Williams
- Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
- Author/Writer: Herbert O'Driscoll (1971)
- Added: March 8, 2026
- Last Updated: March 8, 2026
- Views: 35
To view the author's biography, click their name above.
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