Lord, thine ordained servants bless;
Graces and gifts to each supply,
And clothe them with thy righteousness.
Within thy temple when they stand
To teach the truth, as taught by thee,
Savior, like stars in thy right hand
Thy servants in the churches be.
Wisdom and zeal and faith impart,
Firmness with meekness from above,
To bear thy people on their heart,
And love the souls whom thou dost love.
To watch and pray, and never faint;
By day and night strict guard to keep;
To warn the sinner, cheer the saint,
Nourish thy lambs, and feed thy sheep.
Then, when their work is finished here,
In humble hope their charge resign.
When the chief Shepherd shall appear,
O God, may they and we be thine. Amen.
Words: James Montgomery
Tune: Herr Jesu Christ, Mein's Lebens Licht