O Kou Aloha No (The Queen's Prayer)

During March of 1895, with the backing of the United States government, US business interests in Hawaii illegally overthrew the monarchy there. During her imprisonment, Queen Liliuokalani wrote this prayer on March 22, 1895, and soon set it to this melody. At the bottom of her manuscript, the queen wrote, "Composed during my imprisonment at 'Iolani Palace by the Missionary party who overthrew my government." In this prayer hymn, the queen tells of her great love for God, a love great enough to ask for the forgiveness of those who imprisoned her. In Hawaii today, this hymn is sung expressively with great reverence and devotion.

O Kou Aloha No - The Queen's Prayer (PDF format)

The hymn may be reproduced for use in local church worship or education with the inclusion of the complete copyright citation on each copy. While it is suitable for use throughout the church year, it is especially appropriate during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May.