1. Lord Jesus, who art come
A Teacher sent from heaven
And by both word and deed
God's truth to us hast given,
Thou wisely hast ordained
The holy ministry
That we, Thy flock, may know
The way to God through thee.
2. Thou hast, O Lord, returned,
To God's right hand ascending;
Yet Thou art in the world,
Thy kingdom here extending.
Through preaching of Thy Word
In every land and clime
Thy people's faith is kept
Until the end of time.
3. O blessed ministry
Of reconciliation,
That shows the way to God
And brings to us salvation!
By Thine evangel pure,
Lord, Thou preserv'st Thy fold,
Doest call, enlighten, keep,
Dost comfort and uphold.
4. Preserve this ministry
While harvest-days are keeping;
And since the fields are white
And hands are few for reaping,
Send workers forth, O Lord,
The sheaves to gather in
That not a soul be lost
Which Thou art come to win.
5. The servants Thou hast called
And to Thy Church art giving
Preserve in doctrine pure
And holiness of living.
Thy Spirit fill their hearts,
Endue their tongues with power;
What they should boldly speak,
Oh, give them in that hour!
6. Yea, bless Thy Word alway,
Our souls forever feeding;
And may we never lack
A faithful shepherd's leading!
Seek Thou the wandering sheep,
Bind up the sore opprest,
Lift up the fallen ones,
And grant the weary rest.
7. Bring those into Thy fold
Who still to Thee are strangers;
Guard those who are within
Against offense and dangers.
Press onward with Thy Word
Till pastor and his fold
Through faith in Thee, O Christ,
Thy glory shall behold.