The Lord is my shepherd.
Psalm 23:1
Words: Leonard Weaver, in Songs of the Peacemaker, edited by Winfield S. Weeden et al. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1904), number 68.
Music: Mary E. Currier (🔊 pdf nwc). Some hymnals give the composer as M. E. Upham, Currier’s maiden name.
If you know where to get a good photo of Weaver (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Currier,
I have a shepherd, one I love so well;
What He is to me tongue can never tell;
On the cross He suffered, shed His blood, and died,
That I might ever in His love confide.
Refrain
Following Jesus ever day by day,
Nothing have I to fear when He leads the way;
Darkness or sunshine, whate’er befall,
Jesus the Savior is my all in all.
Pastures abundant doth His hand provide,
Still waters flowing ever at my side;
Goodness and mercy follow on my track;
With such a shepherd nothing can I lack.
Refrain
When I would wander from the path astray,
Then He doth draw me back into the way;
In the darkest valley I need fear no ill,
For He my shepherd will be with me still.
Refrain
When the work is over and the journey done,
Then He will lead me safely to my home;
There I shall dwell in rapture pure and sweet,
And with all the loved ones gather at His feet.
Refrain