1 Dismiss me not thy service, Lord,
But train me for thy will;
For even I, in fields so broad,
Some duties may fulfill;
And I will ask for no reward,
Except to serve thee still.
2 How many serve, how many more
May to the service come!
To tend the vines, the grapes to store,
Thou dost appoint for some:
Thou hast thy young men at the war,
Thy little ones at home.
3 All works are good, and each is best
As most it pleases thee;
Each worker pleases when the rest
He serves in charity;
And neither man nor work unblest,
Wilt thou permit to be.
4 Our Master all the work hath done
He asks of us to-day;
Sharing his service, every one
Share too his sonship may;
Lord, I would serve and be a son:
Dismiss me not, I pray.
Source: Laudes Domini: a selection of spiritual songs, ancient and modern for use in the prayer-meeting #446