PORTSMOUTH ORDINATION HYMN
Tune: Kingsfold
Lord of the harvest at whose word
the church looked out in prayer,
and saw the need of those to serve
our world with Christ’s own care.
We come to you with grateful thanks
for those you set apart
to go into your harvest-field
and serve with deacon-heart.
Lord, marked with Christ’s own cov’nant-seal
in water’s pledge and sign,
their pilgrim faith still journeys on
called by his love’s design.
Signed with his cross, Christ’s path they tread
and his example take,
not to be served, but, serving, give
their all for Jesus’ sake.
Lord, here within this holy place
your ancient call is known
in these, who, taking up Christ’s work,
his girded towel own.
Come down as prayerful hands are laid
upon each bended head,
and by the Spirit’s filling life
his gifts for service shed.
Lord in their daily tasks and care,
pour out Christ’s servant-love
that washes feet and humbly brings
his kingdom from above.
May these ordained by his great call
serve him through all their days,
and one with Christ’s own deacon-heart
walk in his Servant ways.
A. Brown (b. 1937)
