The King of Love My Shepherd Is (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 502)
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); Music: Irish tune
Devotion
This hymn, authored by Anglican priest, Sir Henry Williams Baker, 3rd Baronet Dunstable, vicar of Monkland, has been a favorite at many funerals. It was sung at the funeral of Princess Diana. It is reported that Baker’s last audible words were the third verse of this hymn:
“Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me,
and on his shoulder gently laid, and home rejoicing brought me.”
These words are a reminder that this King of Love never gives up on us. Even when we have lost sight of his way and have gone down our own path, the King continues to seek us out and carry us through the rough patches of this life and beyond. May his shepherding love be our comfort and strength this day and always.
Prayer
Shepherd of love, may we yield daily to your gracious guidance. Comfort us in times of trouble, strengthen us in times of weakness, and enable us to journey through this life knowing that you will never leave us. Amen.