I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant.
Psalm 119:176
Words: Fanny Crosby, in On Joyful Wing, edited by John R. Sweney & William Kirkpatrick (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: John J. Hood, 1886). Some hymnals give the author as Henrietta E. Blair or Julia Sterling, two of Fanny’s pseudonyms.
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick (🔊 pdf nwc).
Far away my steps have wandered,
On the rugged mountain’s brow;
But to Thee my heart is crying,
Gentle Shepherd, save me now!
Refrain
Save me now! save me now!
Gentle Shepherd, save me now!
Unto Thee my heart is crying,
Gentle Shepherd, save me now!
Thou hast borne my weight of sorrow,
At Thy feet I humbly bow;
And my heart with Thee is pleading,
Gentle Shepherd, save me now!
Refrain
Though Thy love I long have slighted,
Though ungrateful I have been,
To Thy fold my faith has brought me;
Let my weary soul come in.
Refrain
Though Thy love I long have slighted,
O’er my wasted years I weep;
In Thy blessèd arms of mercy
Shield and save Thy wandering sheep.
Refrain