Scripture Verse

Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need. Ephesians 4:28

Introduction

Words: Ro­bert Da­vis, 1908.

Music: Min­is­try (Gow­er) John Gow­er, 1909 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • O Jesu Ev­an­gel­isch­es Ge­sang­buch, 1741 (🔊 pdf nwc)

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Da­vis or Gow­er (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

I thank Thee, Lord, for strength of arm
To win my bread,
And that, be­yond my need, is meat
For friend un­fed:
I thank Thee much for bread to live;
I thank Thee more for bread to give.

I thank Thee, Lord, for snug-thatched roof
In cold and storm,
And that, be­yond my need, is room
For friend for­lorn:
I thank Thee much for place to rest,
But more for shel­ter for my guest.

I thank Thee, Lord, for lav­ish love
On me be­stowed,
Enough to share with love­less folk
To ease their load:
Thy love to me I ill could spare,
Yet dear­er is Thy love I share.