1 God, as we stand amid Your world,
Gazing on waiting lands,
Lord of the harvest, seize our hearts,
Employ our idle hands.
2 Show us the fields of greatest need,
Bless and prepare the soil;
Give us Your seed to sow abroad,
Guide and direct our toil.
3 Strengthen our arm to sow today,
Equip us for the hour;
Shield us from beast and sword alike,
Protect us by Your power.
4 Bless now the holy Word we sow—
May it find fertile ground;
Keep it from thorns and scorching sun,
Make the green blade abound.
5 "Shun hard, smooth paths and waysides bright,
Through and around the field;
For work and labor lightly done
Return but little yield.
6 "Fret not when noxious weeds arise
Among the growing grain;
They will be burned at harvest time,
And golden wheat remain."
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #8272