Day 11

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

from the Worthy of Praise reading plan


Psalm 23:1-6, Micah 7:7, John 10:7-18

BY Kaitlin Wernet

Text: Psalm 23:1-6, Micah 7:7, John 10:7-18

“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” was first published in 1836, in a collection of songs titled Hymns for the Young, compiled by Dorothy Thrupp. While its composition is sometimes attributed to Thrupp, some publications do not credit her at all, citing the writer as anonymous.

Why Thrupp did not credit herself as the writer, we may never know. Regardless, the gospel truths echoed in this hymn belong to all of us, those who are childlike in both stature and faith (Bailey 184).

Today, this hymn remains a strong, timeless invitation and prayerful response to the imagery found in Psalm 23. While the psalmist affirms the Lord’s faithfulness and goodness, the hymn writer actively calls upon God out of personal need. When coupled together, the psalm and hymn serve as a call-and-response:

“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack” (v. 1).
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care.

“He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters” (v. 2).
In Thy pleasant pastures, feed us.

“He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake” (v. 3).
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

Our endless call to our Shepherd is that of lost, needy, hungry children, and His response is love. We are His lambs—tender, wandering, forgetful—and yet He leads us still. He is our sure comfort and restful pasture. May we continually recall God’s character and call out for His faithful response.   

Thou hast loved us, love us still.

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
By Dorothy A. Thrupp

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

SRT-Hymns6-Instagram11s

Bailey, Albert Edward. The Gospel in Hymns: Backgrounds and Interpretations. New York: Scribner, 1950.  

Post Comments (55)

55 thoughts on "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us"

  1. Dawn Prenatt says:

    @Cindy Hanna ~ love your comment, thank you for sharing!
    So many great ones today. And I love, love these scripture readings today!!

  2. Teresa Donley says:

    I love the Scripture today. Psalm 23 has so much imagery in it. I’m so thankful that Jesus is my Shepherd! The words from Micah also spoke to me today, especially the last phrase: “my God will hear me.” Hallelujah! Whether I’m whispering my deepest fears and thoughts, or shouting in desperation, my God hears me! In these days of uncertainty, I scream in panic, and He hears me. Oh, the joy of knowing He hears me, and will never forget me.

    This study of hymns has been so uplifting. I love the hymn for today. Once again, it brings memories of my childhood home church. Yes, indeed, Savior like a Shepherd lead me.”

  3. Teresa Donley says:

    RHONDA J – thank you for sharing what happened in your jail ministry yesterday. The power of the name of Jesus!

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