The Shepherd of the Twenty-third Psalm

Prayer: Gentle Shepherd, you lead us to green pastures and to clear, flowing streams. Yet we sometimes stray to the rocky cliffs. As the storms of life engulf us, we listen for your voice. Sometimes it seems to grow faint. There are times when we feel altogether lost. Just as we are about to give up hope, we hear you call our name. You reach out your hand and lift us from the precipice. If we but follow, you will lead us safely home.

Teach us how to share this good news with those who have strayed to the rocky crags. Perhaps we can be beacons of light to help them find their way through the dark valley. Many of our fellow lambs are sick, tired, and hurting. Carry them in your arms as we wend our way to safe pastures. Amen

I wrote that prayer several years ago as a prayer for the Trinity Presbyterian Church chancel choir, Venice, Florida. The choir was singing the Twenty-third psalm that morning. I was a member of that choir under the direction of Henry E. Busche, Ph.D.

After getting some nice comments on the prayer, I decided to write a new hymn, using the same ideas and similar language. After writing the hymn, I contacted Dr. Busche, and he consented to write music for the hymn. That music is playing in the background. It is our hope that this new hymn gives you some inspiration.

A Pasture Scene
Grazing in Safe Pasture

Good Shepherd Lead Us

 Good Shepherd lead us ever near
To pastures green and waters clear.
Through narrow paths to Eden's bower,
With heavenly food our souls restore.

We sometimes stray to rocky crags,
Your voice grows faint, our courage sags;
The storm grows wild and through the noise,
We listen for your calming voice.

As hopes grow dim and spirits wane,
We hear you gently call our name.
Your voice is sure, you bid us come;
We follow and you lead us home.

If any lambs in darkness stray,
Use us as lamps to light their way.
Safely into your fold we come,
Bearing the sick and wounded home.

Though foes appear on every hand,
Your tables rich before us stand.
Our hearts are full; our spirits light.
Anoint us for the coming night.

Oh Gentle Shepherd lead us on;
Grant us sweet rest until the dawn.
When daylight breaks and shadows flee,
We'll dwell with you eternally.

Hymn Text: Copyright (c) May 8, 1999 by Jay D Weaver
Music: Copyright (c) May 8, 1999 by Henry E. Busche, Ph. D.

Downloading the Music
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