426. Proper 11 (Series B)

The lessons for this service, a Sunday after Trinity during July 17-23, are Jeremiah 23:1-6, Ephesians 2:11-22 and Mark 6:30-44. The tune is THANKSGIVING by John Bacchus Dykes (c.1889), not to be confused with a tune of the same name by yours truly. It has appeared in one-off pairings with at least five different hymns in at least three different American Lutheran hymnals (ELHB, CSB and SBH).

In Your compassion, gracious Lord,
You looked upon the multitude
As sheep in want of One to herd,
And teaching them, gave heav'nly food.

Us also, Jesus, we beseech,
Regard with loving-kindness. Give
A shepherd, faithful, apt to teach,
That we on You may feed and live.

Such Shepherd's love at eve You showed
That earthly food You then dispensed,
Till scant supply far overflowed
The hunger it was set against.

Us also, Jesus, we implore,
Give sustenance none can exhaust:
A bread whose eaters die no more,
Whereof You only know the cost.

Command the shepherds in Your charge
Likewise to teach us many things,
For though the flock grow wondrous large,
More boundless still Your mercy springs.