Bonnie and I read this in our devotional from Near to the Heart of God: Meditations on 366 Best-Loved Hymns by Robert J. Morgan

James Montgomery wrote four hundred hymns, the best-known being the Christmas carol “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” Among his lesser-known hymns is this wonderful prayer for Christian workers. A copy in the author’s handwriting says it was written on January 23, 1833, for “a meeting of the clergy.” It’s usually sung to the tune “Duke Street” (“Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun”). Offer it today as a prayer for your pastor or church staff!

Pour out Thy Spirit from on high; 

Lord, Thine assembled servants bless; 

Graces and gifts to each supply, 

And clothe Thy priests with righteousness.

 Within Thy temple when they stand, 

To teach the truth, as taught by Thee, 

Savior, like stars in Thy right hand 

May all Thy Church’s pastors be.

 To watch and pray and never faint, 

By day and night, strict guard to keep, 

To warn the sinner, cheer the saint, 

Nourish Thy lambs, and feed Thy sheep.

 Then, when their work is finished here, 

May they in hope their charge resign; 

When the Chief Shepherd shall appear, 

O God, may they and we be Thine.

 I will pour out My Spirit in those days. – Acts 2:18

From Near to the Heart of God: Meditations on 366 Best-Loved Hymns by Robert J. Morgan on (p. 27). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.