Christ, you walked among the grain fields, Finding lessons all around:
"Like the harvest that the earth yields, So God's kingdom will abound."
"See! A sower goes out planting; Some seed grows a hundredfold."
Here on earth you gave us heaven In the stories that you told.
Lord, you shared God's kingdom-bounty, Yet you know our pain and need.
Some are poor in lands of plenty, Often hurt by others' greed.
Some, possessed by their possessions, Look for more to buy and keep;
Others long for simpler blessings: "Let my hungry children eat."
Lord, you send us out to labor, To pass on the love you give;
City friend and country neighbor Work as one so all may live.
Lending land and tools and vision, Sharing costs and planting seed —
Work we love becomes our mission As we serve your world in need.
May our harvest celebration Build new food security;
As we care for your creation, May we find community.
By your Holy Spirit bless us And may what we grow increase
Till the whole world sees new glimpses Of your joyful banquet feast.
One-time free use of this hymn is given to congregations that support the Food Resource Bank. Others wanting to use the hymn are encouraged to make a donation to support the Food Resource Bank. This hymn was originally written in gratitude for Norm Braksick's faithful service with Food Resource Bank.
A music video of this hymn has been done by the Kalamazoo Bach Choir.
Folksinger Bryan Field McFarland includes a recording of this hymn in the CD "...Until All Are Fed" for the Presbyterian Hunger Program.