Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, ELW 789
Devotion
Savior, like a shepherd lead us;
much we need your tender care.
In your pleasant pastures feed us,
for our use your fold prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have bought us; we are yours.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have bought us; we are yours.
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.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
hear us children when we pray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
hear us children when we pray.
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.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
early let us turn to you.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
early let us turn to you.
Early let us seek your favor,
early let us do your will;
blessed Lord and only Savior,
with your love our spirits fill.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have loved us, love us still.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
you have loved us, love us still.
If my memory serves me well, this was one of probably two dozen songs that our organist played almost weekly in our rural community in central Texas.
Perhaps I was specially attuned to the imagery in the hymn since I raised sheep for 4-H livestock shows. Whether in worship or during nursing home visits, we sang these petitions with hope that God would remember us like sheep who go astray.
In the midst of phrases laden with pleas to help and guide us, great professions of faith resound:
You have bought us, we are yours;
You have promised to receive us;
You have mercy to relieve us;
You have loved us, love us still.
Though we wander and are oftentimes scattered, God remains actively involved with us through a holy purchase, promise, mercy, and love.
Prayer
Blessed Jesus, you hear our petitions as we confess our need for you to re-center us in your grace. We praise you for your life and love, Blessed Jesus, that enfolds us in your daily activity. Blessed Jesus, we are yours. Amen.