O Lord, Ordain Thy Servant

1 O Lord, ordain Thy servant
And turn to him Thy face
That he with spirit fervent
May preach Thy Word of grace;
And with Thy gifts anointed
By prophecy and prayer,
Let him go forth appointed
To serve Thy church with care.

2 With tender mercy lead him
And set him on the Rock;
In pastures green Thou feed him
That he may feed Thy flock;
The gospel of salvation
Put Thou upon his lips
and lend him inspiration
To lead them in Thy steps.

3 When hosts of hell assail him
And vex him with their might,
Thy mercy shall not fail him,
Nor shall Thy grace and light.
If darkness should enfold him
And cloud his spirit's eye,
Thy mighty hand uphold him
And guide him from on high.

4 Oh, meet him in his chamber
And listen to his prayer;
With kindness him remember,
Surround him with thy care,
And help him in his calling
To teach the heaven-born,
To warn the sinners failing
And comfort those who mourn.

5 Thus, in Thy service use us
From early morn till night;
Let evil not confuse us,
Nor dim Thy Spirit's light.
Thy people do thou nourish,
With Sacrament and Word,
That fields of thine may flourish
And bear Thee fruit, O Lord!


Source: Hymnal for Church and Home (2nd ed.) #145