Church Book ‎#503

503. Lord of the harvest! once again

1 Lord of the harvest! once again
We thank Thee for the ripened grain;
For crops safe carried, sent to cheer
Thy servants through another year;
For all sweet holy thoughts supplied
By seed-time, and by harvest-tide.

2 The bare dead grain, in autumn sown,
Its robe of vernal green it puts on;
Glad from its wintry grave it springs,
Fresh garnished by the King of kings,
So, Lord, to those who sleep in Thee
Shall new and glorious bodies be.

3 Nor vainly of Thy Word we ask
A lesson from the reaper’s task;
So shall Thine angels issue forth;
The tares be burnt; the just of earth,
Playthings of sun and storm no more,
Be gathered to their Father’s store.

4 Daily, O Lord, our prayers be said,
As Thou hast taught, for daily bread;
But not alone our bodies feed,
Supply our fainting spirits’ need!
O Bread of Life! from day to day,
Be Thou their Comfort, Food, and Stay!

Text Information

• First Line: Lord of the harvest! once again
• Author: Joseph Anstice (1836)
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: Harvest
• Notes: Alternate tune: #374 or #446

Tune Information

• Name: PRESTON
• Meter: L. M.
• Key: G Major
• Notes: Composer from index: Rev. H. L. Jenner, 1861