Bow down Thine ear, almighty Lord,
And hear Thy Church’s suppliant cry
For all who preach Thy saving Word,
And wait upon Thy ministry.

In mercy, Father, now give heed,
And pour Thy quickening Spirit’s breath
On those Whom Thou hast called to feed
Thy flock redeemed by Jesus’ death.

O Savior, from Thy piercèd hand
Shed o’er them all Thy gifts divine;
That those who in Thy presence stand
May do Thy will with love like Thine.

Blest Spirit, in their hearts abide,
And give them grace to watch and pray;
That, as they seek Thy flock to guide,
Themselves may keep the narrow way.

O God, Thy strength and mercy send
To shield them in their strife with sin;
Grant them, enduring to the end,
The crown of life at last to win.

We bid thee welcome in the name
Of Jesus, our exalted Head.
Come as a servant, so He came,
And we receive thee in His stead.

Come as a shepherd—guard and keep
This fold from hell and world and sin;
Nourish the lambs and feed the sheep;
The wounded heal, the lost bring in.

Come as a teacher—sent from God,
Charged His whole counsel to declare.
Lift o’er our ranks the prophet’s rod
While we uphold thy hands with prayer.

Come as an angel—hence to guide
A band of pilgrims on their way,
That, softly walking at thy side,
We fail not, faint not, turn nor stray.

Come as a watchman—take thy stand
Upon the tower amidst the sky,
And when the sword comes on the land,
Call us to fight, or warn to fly.

Come as a messenger of peace,
Filled with the Spirit, fired with love;
Live to behold our large increase
And die to meet us all above.