We Plow the Fields and Scatter (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 681)
1 We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand,
who sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
Refrain
All good gifts around us are sent from heav’n above.
We thank you, Lord, we thank you, Lord, for all your love.
2 You only are the maker of all things near and far.
You paint the wayside flower, you light the evening star.
The winds and waves obey you, by you the birds are fed;
much more to us, your children, you give our daily bread.
Refrain
3 We thank you, our creator, for all things bright and good,
the seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
No gifts have we to offer for all your love imparts,
but what you most would treasure—our humble, thankful hearts.
Refrain
Text: Matthias Claudius; Music: Johann A. P. Schulz; Public Domain
Devotion
This hymn’s words are very familiar to anyone who knows the musical “Godspell.” Telling parables from Matthew’s Gospel, Stephen Schwartz sets hymns, including this one, to new music.
Jesus’ words about how the seed will sprout and grow without the planter knowing how are nicely reflected in this hymn which points us to the one behind this harvest:
We plow the fields and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God’s almighty hand.
We so often want to be in control—to call the shots and find success due to our own efforts. But every gardener learns that, in the end, they are engaged in a work of faith. Taking the seed, the compost, fertilizer, and whatever else seems needed, they can only “scatter the good seed” and trust that there will be a harvest.
Prayer
All good gifts around us are sent from heav’n above. We thank you, God, we thank you, God, for all your love. Amen.