The earth, O Lord, is one wide field

Verse 1

The earth, O Lord, is one wide field of all thy chosen seed; the crop prepared its fruit to yield; the labourers are few indeed.

Verse 2

We therefore come before thee now with fasting, and with prayer, beseeching of thy love that thou wouldst send more labourers there.

Verse 3

Not for our land alone we pray, though that above the rest; the realms and islands far away, O let them all be blest.

Verse 4

Endue the bishops of thy flock with wisdom and with grace, against false doctrine, like a rock, to set the heart and face.

Verse 5

To all thy priests thy truth reveal, and make thy judgments clear; make thou thy deacons full of zeal, and humble, and sincere:

Verse 6

and give their flocks a lowly mind to hear and to obey; that each and all may mercy find at thine appearing-day.