The King of Love My Shepherd Is - Traditional

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 spread'st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O 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.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is lyrics were written by Henry Baker and are traditionally sung to the tune St. Columba. The song describes the green pastures the still waters and the cross that brings the wandering sheep home. It emphasizes that even in the valley of the shadow of death the shepherds rod and staff provide comfort and peace. By singing these lyrics the congregation finds assurance in the unchanging love and protection of the Lord acknowledging Him as the one who spreads a table in the wilderness and leads His people to their eternal home with a cup that overflows with grace.