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.

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

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.

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

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

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