1. 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.
2. Dear to the heart of the shepherd,Dear are the lambs of his fold;Some from the pastures are straying,Hungry and helpless and cold.See, the good Shepherd is seeking,Seeking the lambs that are lost;Bringing them in with rejoicing,Saved at such infinite cost.
3. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,Dear are the “ninety and nine;”Dear are the sheep that have wanderedOut 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?”
4. 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 we’ll hasten,Bringing them back to the fold.