Devotional: Spread, O spread, thou mighty Word...

Spread, O spread, thou mighty Word,
Spread the kingdom of the Lord,
Wheresoe’er His breath has given,
Life to beings meant for Heaven.

Word of life, most pure and strong,
Lo! for Thee the nations long,
Spread, till from its dreary night
All the world awakes to light.

Lord of harvest, let there be
Joy and strength to work for Thee,
Till the nations, far and near,
See Thy light, and learn Thy fear.
...Jo­na­than F. Bahn­mai­er image