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.
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold; Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
3. 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.
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.