SPREAD, O SPREAD, ALMIGHTY WORD

 A HYMN FOR THE 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

By Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78

 

1 Spread, O spread, almighty word,

spread the kingdom of the Lord,

where the breath of God has given

life to people meant for heaven.

 

2 Tell them how the Father's will

made the world, and keeps it still;

how his only Son he gave

all from sin and death to save.

 

3 Tell of our Redeemer's love,

who, for ever to remove

all the guilt that on us lies,

gave himself as sacrifice.

 

4 Tell them of the Spirit given

now to guide us on to heaven,

strong and holy, just and true,

working both to will and do.

 

5 Up! the ripening fields you see,

mighty will the harvest be;

but the reapers still are few,

great the work they have to do.

 

6 Lord of harvest, kind and true,

give us strength to work for you,

till the nations everywhere

see your light, and know your care.