The Lord's My Shepherd

The Lord's My Shepherd

Text based on Psalm 23, taken from the Scottish Psalter, 1650

Sung to BROTHER JAMES' AIR, adapted from music by J. L. Macbeth Bain (c. 1840-1925)

Psalm 23, MSG God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.  Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

V. 1 The Lord's my Shepherd; I'll not want.

He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

He leadeth me, He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

V. 2 My soul He doth restore again,

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness,

E'en for His own name's sake;

Within the paths of righteousness,

E'en for His own name's sake.

V. 3 Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill;

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still;

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

V. 4 My table Thou hast furnished

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

V. 5 Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me,

And in God's house forevermore

My dwellingplace shall be. 

And in God's house forevermore
My dwellingplace shall be.