Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, (William J. Kirkpatrick)

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.

Refrain

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

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.

Refrain

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?

Refrain

Green are the pastures inviting,
Sweet are the waters and still;
Lord, we will answer Thee gladly,
Yes, blessèd 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.

Refrain