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 paraphrases Psalm 23 and beautifully sings the beloved psalm in ways that draw us into a life that relies on the Good Shepherd’s guidance. The final verse acknowledges God’s never-failing love throughout all of life. In response the singer then concludes: “Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house forever.” On this day we gather with sisters and brothers in Christ to hear good news, offer our prayers, be strengthened by fellowship, and sing God’s praises. Martin Luther once wrote “Next after theology I give to music the highest place and the greatest honor … This precious gift has been bestowed on humans alone to remind them that they are created to praise and magnify the Lord.” On this Good Shepherd Sunday we respond with joy for God’s gift of love in Christ, God’s ever-present guidance in life, the gift of life beyond the grave, and sing God’s praise and magnify the Lord all our length of days.
Prayer
Shepherding God, we come before you singing our thanks and praise. May our worship this day result in lives that reflect your love for our neighbors. And when we are foolish and begin to go astray, remind us that you never give up on us and always seek to welcome us back and forgive us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.