The King of Love My Shepherd Is, ELW 502
Devotion
The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
and he is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth
and, where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
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.
Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
thine unction grace bestoweth;
and, oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
And so, through all the length of days,
thy goodness faileth never.
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.
Psalm 23, the "Good Shepherd Psalm," is perhaps the most beloved psalm of the entire psalter because it offers hope. As such, it is read at most funerals to offer words of comfort to the bereaved. This hymn, inspired by Psalm 23, also offers words of comfort to all believers. However, the words of this hymn also speak of Jesus as our shepherd King, much like King David. Like the psalm that inspired it, the hymn is a song of trust in the divine Shepherd, Jesus. And not only is Jesus our Shepherd he is also the "King of love" who makes us his own. Jesus protects us, provides for us, and stays with us through the highs and lows of life, even in death's dark vale. No matter what we face in our day-to-day living, the Shepherd King of Love walks with us.
Prayer
Shepherd King, you walk with me and provide for me. Help me to be ever mindful of your presence. Amen.