Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

Henry W. Baker

Henry W. Baker (1821–1877) was an English clergyman and the driving force behind Hymns Ancient and Modern, one of the most influential hymnals in history. Known for his deep devotion and pastoral care, Baker wrote the beautiful hymn 'The King of Love My Shepherd Is' in 1868. On his deathbed, his final spoken words were a whisper of the third stanza of his own hymn: 'Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me, and on His shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me'.

Source: Hymns Ancient and Modern

The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack if I am his,
and he is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul he leadeth;
and where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed,
but yet in love he sought me;
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.
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.
Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
thy unction grace bestoweth;
and oh, what transport of delight
from thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days,
thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.