Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

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 "other" lost sheep;

Over the mountains He follows,

Over the waters so deep.

Out in the desert they wander,

Hungry and 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?"

Out in the desert they wander,

Hungry and helpless and cold;

Off to the rescue He hastens,

Bringing them back to the 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 a love that is deep.

Send us out into the desert;

Seeking Thy wandering sheep.

Out in the desert they wander,

Hungry and helpless and cold;

Off to the rescue He hastens,

Bringing them back to the fold.

Off to the rescue He hastens,

Bringing them back to the fold.