[First Chain] A kindness given in secret Can travel farther than fear A prayer beneath a low roof Can make the kingdom feel near A coat laid over the weary Can warm the faith of the land So the love of Christ goes onward From hand to hand [Second Chain] A cup drawn cold from the water Can bless the hunted one A song kept low in the evening Can meet the rising sun A door left open at midnight Can answer trouble’s demand So the love of Christ goes onward From hand to hand [Center] From hand to hand From heart to heart The Lord can keep His people Though the roads may pull apart From hand to hand From soul to soul The Spirit makes us family Wherever we may go [Third Chain] A word sent over the mountain Can strengthen those who weep A cloak shared under the weather Can give the weak one sleep A smile returned in danger Can make the frightened stand So the love of Christ goes onward From hand to hand [Turn] Bless the giver Bless the stranger Bless the widow Bless the child Bless the hidden Bless the scattered Bless the gentle Bless the tried [Final Chain] A mercy shown in the shadows Will shine when Christ appears A hope held close in sorrow Will outlast all our tears A people formed by giving Will reach the promised land So the love of Christ goes onward From hand to hand From hand to hand From hand to hand
