We Bid Thee Welcome in the Name

1. We bid thee welcome in the name
Of Jesus, our exalted Head.
Come as a servant,-so He came,-
And we receive thee in His stead.

2. Come as a shepherd; guard and keep
This fold from hell and world and sin;
Nourish the lambs and feed the sheep;
The wounded heal, the lost bring in.

3. Come as a teacher sent from God,
Charged His whole counsel to declare.
Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's rod
While we uphold thy hands with prayer.

4. Come as a messenger of peace,
Filled with the Spirit, fired with love.
Live to behold our large increase
And die to meet us all above.
Text in The Lutheran Hymnal