Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#334

334. Father! be Thy blessing shed

1 Father! be Thy blessing shed
On Thy chosen servant's head;
Savior! needed grace impart
To sustain and keep his heart;
Holy Spirit! with Thy fire
Touch his lips, his soul inspire,
That Thy Truth through him be told
Fearlessly to young and old.

2 Seal this day the vows that hold
Flock and shepherd in one fold.
May he Jesus' mandates keep,
"Feed My lambs," and "Feed My sheep!"
By Thee to Thy people sent
With Thy Word and Sacrament,
May he so proclaim the Word
That who hear him, hear Thee, Lord.

3 In Thy vineyard called to toil,
Wisely may he search the soil;
Sinners may he love and win,
While he hates and brands the sin.
Give him boldness for the right,
Give him meekness in the fight,
Teach him zeal and care to blend,
Give him patience to the end.

4 Grant him, in his charge, to find
List'ning ear and fervent mind,
Helpful counsels, deep'ning peace,
Earnest life, and glad increase;
May they, by each other led,
Grow to one in Christ their Head,
And, at last, together be
Ripe for heaven and meet for Thee!

Text Information

• First Line: Father! be Thy blessing shed
• Author: Rev. Samuel Gilman, D. D. (1863, alt.)
• Meter: 7s. Eight lines. No. 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Catechism: The Ministry
• Source: Altered, Ohio Synod Hymnal, 1880

Tune Information

• Name: VIOLA
• Composer: William Batchelder Bradbury (1849)
• Meter: 7s. Eight lines. No. 10
• Key: A♭ Major