New! Blessing For A New Day

Blessing For A New Day by Andrew Chinn (Morning prayer, blessings, God's love)

On ANZAC Day, 2026, I was in Hamilton, New Zealand. I hadn't been to a Dawn Service since the 1980s so thought I'd better do it as an Aussie in New Zealand.

The service was held in their Memorial Park by the Waikato River. I was moved to sing my own Anthem in another country, more moved to hear so many Kiwis singing along, and then, of course, I could join in with theirs. I remembered my dad, my grandfathers and my dear mate, Don Robson.

At the very end of the service, the RSA Chaplain, Lance Langley, left us with this ancient Celtic Blessing:

May the grace of God uphold you

May the peace of God surround you

May the love of God flow from you

May the strength of God protect you

And bring you safely through this day

As I heard it I could feel a song coming on, so after the service I found Lance and asked for a copy of those words and said that I hoped to create a song. That night I wrote the song, embellishing each line. I sent the demo to Drew. Within days we'd recorded a demo, added Eleanor's voice.

In June, I worked with some students from St Michael's in Nowra, NSW, to create a simple video clip.

To me, the song will always be linked to the ANZACs but I offer it as a blessing for the beginning of any or every day.

Blessing For A New Day by Andrew Chinn (Morning prayer, blessings, God's love)