WE PLOUGH THE FIELDS AND SCATTER

A HYMN FOR THE 15th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

We plough the fields, and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered
By God's almighty hand:
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes, and the sunshine,
And soft, refreshing rain.

Refrain:

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above;

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,

For all his love.

2  He only is the maker

Of all things near and far;
He paints the wayside flower,
He lights the evening star;
The winds and waves obey him,
By him the birds are fed;
Much more to us, his children,
He gives our daily bread.  [Refrain]

3  We thank thee then, O Father,

For all things bright and good,

The seed-time and the harvest,

Our life, our health, our food.

Accept the gifts we offer

For all thy love imparts,

And, what thou most desirest,

Our humble, thankful hearts.  [Refrain]

By Matthias Claudius, 1782, translated by Jane M. Campbell