Lord of the Harvest Hear
Lord of the harvest, hear
This hymn embodies the Lutheran emphasis on intercessory prayer and the doctrine of vocation, recognizing that God calls workers for His kingdom's expansion. It reflects the urgency of Gospel proclamation and the corporate responsibility of the Church to pray for faithful pastors and missionaries.
History & Background
Written by Henry Alford in 1844, this missionary hymn was first published in his "Psalms and Hymns" collection and has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since the 19th century. It directly reflects Christ's command in Matthew 9:38 to pray for laborers in the harvest.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 289
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 488
Bulletin Note
Written by Henry Alford in 1844, this L.M. hymn reflects Anglican-Lutheran shared conviction that the Church's intercession for Gospel workers participates in God's mission to gather His harvest before the end.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran doctrine of vocation by transforming intercessory prayer into an act of faith that God answers—a concrete way the Law's demand (pray!) becomes Gospel assurance (He hears and sends forth laborers).
Themes
Mission and evangelism Prayer for workers Harvest of souls Divine calling Intercessory prayer