The Lord is like a shepherd to my soul

The Lord is like a shepherd to my soul,
he keeps me when I sleep and when I rise,
he leads me on to where green pastures grow,
he shows me where the silent water lies.

He takes my sinful soul and makes it new,
he makes me walk the path of purity;
he sends me, not alone, but in his name,
that all should see the Lord, and never me.

And even in the valley of the dead
he tells me that I need not be afraid,
for he, the Lord my shepherd, will be there,
and, with his rod and staff, will be my aid.

My enemies stand gazing at the Lord
who spreads a royal feast before my face;
he pours the oil of blessing on my head,
my cup is overflowing with his grace.

The goodness and the mercy of the Lord
shall follow me as morning follows night
and I shall find my home within his house,
for ever in the Lord my Shepherd's sight.

Paul Wigmore (b. 1925)
© Paul Wigmore, admin. The Jubilate Group
Metre / Suggested tune: 10 10 10 10 / WORTING (John Barnard)