The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Your  Cross Will Ever Guide Me

The King Of Love My Shepherd Is, is an Anthony G. Petti (1932-1985) adaption of the 1868 Sir Henry W. Baker (1821-1877) paraphrase of Psalm 23. Baker took Holy Orders in the Church of England in 1844. He was closely associated with hymnody in the Church. Besides writing, translating, and composing a number of hymns, his most notable role was as Ed­it­or-in-Chief of the first edition of Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern (1861) which sold over 60 million copies. The King of Love My Shepherd Is has proven to be his most enduring work. It is said that as he lay dying his final words were those of the 3rd stanza: "Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me; and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me." It is sung to the tune: St. Columba, a traditional Irish melody. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used in the Common of Pastors and with the Office for the Dead.



THE KING OF LOVE MY SHEPHERD IS by Henry Baker, 1868 (Public Domain)

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 spread’st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O 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.

Loving Shepard of Thy Sheep

Where Thou Leadest, I Will Go

Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep was written by Jane Elizabeth Leeson (1807-1882). It was first published in 1842 as part of her collection, Hymns and Scenes of Child­hood. Though little is known of this Catholic convert, the simple and direct expressions of faith found in her "Infant Hymnings", have earned a place in many hymnals representing a wide spectrum of Christian beliefs. Loving Shepherd of Thy Sheep is sung to the 1863 tune, Buckland by the Anglican Clergyman and organ builder, Dr. Leigh­ton G. Hayne (1836-1883). In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used in the Common of Pastors.



LOVING SHEPHERD OF THY SHEEP by Jane Elizabeth Leeson, 1842 (Public Domain)

1. Loving Shepherd of Thy sheep,
Keep Thy lamb, in safety keep;
Nothing can Thy power withstand,
None can pluck me from Thy hand.

2. Loving Savior, Thou didst give
Thine own life that we might live,
And the hands outstretched to bless
Bear the cruel nails’ impress.

3. I would praise Thee every day,
Gladly all Thy will obey,
Like Thy blessèd ones above
Happy in Thy precious love.

4. Loving Shepherd, ever near,
Teach Thy lamb Thy voice to hear,
Suffer not my steps to stray
From the straight and narrow way.

5. Where Thou leadest I would go,
Walking in Thy steps below,
Till before my Father’s throne
I shall know as I am known.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace was written by the Anglican Minister, John Newton (1725-1807). As a young man, he had been a slave trader, and by his own accounts it had been a life of rebellion and debauchery. After returning to England from a particularly frightening sea voyage, he began reading a translation of the 15th century manual on the spiritual life, Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis (c.1380-1471), Canon Regular of the Augustinian Rule. The 'Imitation' is written in the form of a dialogue between Jesus and his disciple; prompting the reader to take stock of his life, renounce the vanities of the world, and resolve to become ever more Christ-like. From Charles Wesley to St. Ignatius of Loyola and for many others, the 'Imitation' greatly influenced their conversion. And so it was for John Newton that just weeks later after taking up the 'Imitation', his slave ship again battered by a severe storm, he recalled the opening words of Meditations Concerning Death (Bk.1 Ch.23) from the Imitation: "Since life is short and uncertain continuance, it highly concerns you to look about you and take good heed how you employ it." He prayed to God for forgiveness, mercy, and deliverance. From that point on, he sought to change his life, and "live as becomes a pilgrim and a stranger on earth" eventually taking Holy Orders in the Church of England as an Ordained Anglican Priest. In writings and homilies, he often returned to that pivotal "hour when he first believed" to convey the saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amazing Grace was first published in 1779, and is set to the Appalachian folk tune: New Britain. In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used in the Common for One Martyr.



AMAZING GRACE by John Newton, 1779 (Public Domain)

1. Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
was blind but now I see.

2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

3. The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

4. Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

5. When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we'd first begun.