We Plough the Fields and Scatter

All good gifts around us.

We Plough the Fields And Scatter is an translation by Jane M. Campbell from the original German poem Wir Pflügen und Wir Streuen,  first published in 1782 and written by Matthias Claudius (1740-1815). The English adaptation, first published in 1861, often appears in hymnals and is a favorite during harvest. It is set to the tune: Wir Pflügen, first published in 1800 it was written by Johann Schülz (1747-1800). In the Liturgy of the Hours, We Plow the Fields and Scatter is used during Ordinary Time for Evening Prayer.



WE PLOW THE FIELDS AND SCATTER by Jane Campbell, 1861 (Public Domain)

We plow the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land;
But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand:
He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.

Chorus:
All good gifts around us Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord For all His love.

He only is the maker of all things near and far;
He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star;
The winds and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed;
Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread.

We thank Thee, then, O Father, for all things bright and good,
The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, and food;
And all that we can offer your boundless love imparts,
The gifts to you most pleasing are humble, thankful hearts.