Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us

"Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us" (LSB 711) was originally written as a children's song. When it was written in the early 19th century, there was a lack of congregational involvement in hymn singing in the Church of England (Anglican Church). This hymn was written so the children would make singing popular again in the Church of England. Thus, promoting singing among the adults.

During this time, many daughters or spouses of Anglican clergy pursed religious education of the young by writing, publishing, and teaching songs of faith.

"Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us" draws upon the shepherd imagery of Psalm 23. This Anglican hymn proclaims the following: Jesus has bought us (stanza one); He defends us from sin (stanza two); though we are "poor and sinful," His mercy relieves us, His mercy cleanses us, and His power frees us (stanza three). The final stanza is a prayer that our lives might be holy, that is, sanctified.

1 Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
Much we need Your tender care.
In Your pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Your fold prepare.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
You have bought us; we are Yours.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
You have bought us; we are Yours.

2 We are Yours; in love befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Your flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear us children when we pray.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear us children when we pray.

3 You have promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
You have mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to You.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to You.

4 Early let us seek Your favor,
Early let us do Your will;
Blessèd Lord and only Savior,
With Your love our spirits fill.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
You have loved us, love us still.
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
You have loved us, love us still.

Text: Public domain