My Shepherd

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is LBW 456

1    The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never;
      I nothing lack if I am his and he is mine forever.

2    Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth
      and, where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.

3    Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me,
      and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.

4    In death’s dark vale I fear no ill, with thee, dear Lord, beside me,
      thy rod and staff my comfort still thy cross before to guide me.

5    Thou spreadst a table in my sight; thine unction grace bestoweth;
      and, oh, what transport of delight from thy pure chalice floweth!

6    And so, through all the length of days, thy goodness faileth never.
      Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house forever.

Text: Henry W. Baker, 1821-1877

      One of the most recorded Psalms, it has been sung amongst people of faith for over 3000 years.  This version comes from Henry Baker, an Anglican clergyman, who was asked to compile a new hymnal for the church and wanted to provide an updated version of Psalm 23.  His hymnal sold nearly 60 million copies world wide1 On his death bed, Henry Baker’s final words were ones he quoted from this hymn: “Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet, in love, he sought me!”

Prayer:  Good Shepherd, often I stray from your flock.  Lost and alone, I helplessly look for comfort.  And there you are, leaving the others behind, to find me, to bear me up in your arms; to bring me home.  Thank you for your grace, love, and forbearance. Amen.