From the recording Dear To the Heart of the Shepherd
Cover of the hymn by Mary B. Wingate and William J. Kirkpatrick
Lyrics
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 His other lost sheep
Over the mountains He follows, over the waters so deep
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd dear are the lambs of his fold
Some from the pastures are straying hungry 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
Chorus:
Out in the desert they wander, hungry 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 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
Chorus:
Out in the desert they wander hungry helpless and cold
Off to the rescue He hastens bringing them back to his fold
Green are the pastures inviting, sweet are the waters and still
Lord we will answer thee gladly, “yes blessed master we will”
Make us thy true under shepherds, give us thy love that is deep
Send us out into the desert seeking thy wandering sheep
Chorus:
Out in the desert we’ll find them, feed them, bring them in from the cold
Off to the rescue we’ll hasten bringing them back to thy fold
Bring them, we’ll bring them because He brings us all back to His fold