The King of Love My Shepherd Is, ELW 502 & 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.
Devotion
Hymn writer Henry W. Baker expresses his faith in the King of Love My Shepherd Is, saying the Lord’s goodness never fails and we will lack for nothing. In these difficult economic times there are many who are hurting. If you are out of work and have no strong prospects on the horizon, it is difficult to trust that God is going to provide. The King of Love calls all who are able to help those in need. God has blessed us so that we might be a blessing. We are to be Christ’s body in the world and do his work. Christ, our King, uses us to fulfill his promise to provide food, clothing, shelter and love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, our King and Shepherd, help us to trust in your promises to provide for us. Enable us to recognize that all good gifts come from your hand and that you give them to us so that we might share them with others. May your Holy Spirit fill us with such faith that we may reach out to those in need. Amen.