Far and Near the Fields Are Teeming

Hymn Background: Far and Near the Fields Are Teeming (Lord of Harvest, Send Forth Reapers)
Words: James Oren Thompson (1863–1949)
Music: William A. Ogden (1841–1897)
Year: 1902

Far and Near the Fields Are Teeming, also titled Lord of Harvest, Send Forth Reapers, is a stirring missionary hymn written by James Oren Thompson, a pastor and hymn writer known for his contributions to early 20th-century evangelical music. Born in 1863, Thompson served in the American South, where his preaching and writing emphasized evangelism, missions, and Christian service.

This hymn reflects the burden for worldwide evangelism that marked the early 1900s—a period of growing missionary activity across the globe. Inspired by Christ’s words in Matthew 9:37–38 about the harvest being plentiful but the laborers few, Thompson’s lyrics call the Church to action: to go, to send, and to pray that God would raise up workers for His harvest field.

Set to a lively and memorable tune by William A. Ogden, the hymn paints a vivid image of ripe fields ready for reaping, symbolizing souls in need of the gospel. With each verse, the call becomes more urgent, culminating in a prayerful chorus that has stirred hearts for over a century to support and engage in the Great Commission.