SM
A Psalm Of David.
The LORD’s my shepherd king
Who all I need shall bring
He gives me rest in pleasant lands
Supplied by his own hand.
He shall restore my soul
And make my spirit whole
He makes me walk the righteous way
Because I bear his name
In death’s dark vale, you’re there
My Lord, I trust your care
With your own staff and holy rood
You’ll guide me for my good
My head with oil you bless
My table you have set
My cup runs o’er, amidst my foes
I’ll eat in sure repose.
Your faithful, steadfast love
Pursues me from above
The LORD’s own house my dwelling place
With him to live always.
Blessed be the LORD our God,
The God of Israel,
From everlasting without end!
Amen, we sing, amen.
Note 1: The final, italicised, verse is taken from the blessing at the end of Book One of the Psalms, found in Psalm 41:13 in our English Bibles. It seems possible that these benedictions at the end of each book were intended to be appended to the end of each Psalm within the book. So I’ve added it here in verse form. Feel free to use it as a sixth verse or just omit it.
Note 2: The Psalmist uses the covenant name of God, Yahweh. The tradition in our English Bibles is to replace this with “The LORD” in small caps. I have followed this tradition here, but you may prefer to replace The LORD in verses 1, 5, and 6 with Yahweh.
James W. Shrimpton (2023)
CCLI Song ID: 7235353
Inspiration: Psalm 23.
Suggested Tunes: Golden Hill, Franconia