Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the sheep of His fold;
Dear is the love that He gives them,
Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are His «other» lost sheep;
Over the mountains He follows,
Over the waters so deep.
Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue He hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the «ninety and nine»;
Dear are the sheep that have wandered
Out in the desert to pine.
Hark! He is earnestly calling,
Tenderly pleading today:
«Will you not seek for my lost ones,
Off from my shelter astray?»
Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue He hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.
Green are the pastures inviting;
Sweet are the waters and still.
Lord, we will answer Thee gladly,
«Yes, blessed Master, we will!»
Make us Thy true under-shepherds;
Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert;
Seeking Thy wandering sheep.
Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue He hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.
Off to the rescue He hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.