Gentle Reader,
Here is a first draft of a hymn text I wrote last night after praying the 23rd Psalm. Having prayed that psalm so often one might think its value or meaning had been exhausted, but I find it ever fresh, a spring that never runs dry. And when I am suffering, as indeed I am at the moment, I find it a great window with a vista onto what is most beautiful and most true about God and even my own heart's aspirations. Physical difficulties pale in comparison to such tender mercies from Christ the Good Shepherd and Just Judge. There are echoes of the Book of Common Prayer and probably the Bay Psalm Book which together with my own turns of phrase seek to express the Christian meaning of the psalm with all the joy one can muster.
I hope you enjoy reading this first draft which is meant to be sung to the tune Lasst uns erfreuen — the tune normally used for "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones". God bless and keep you.
Bishop and Guardian of my soul,
Shepherd who keeps me safe and whole, Alleluia ...
Lead me in righteousness always,
For thy Name's sake, within thy ways. Alleluia ...
By clearest waters make me rest.
Restore my soul to brave each test. Alleluia ...
Though death's dark valley be my track.
Nothing I fear; nothing I lack. Alleluia ...
O thou art with me night and day.
My strength and comfort on the Way. Alleluia ...
I feast upon thy gifts divine —
Thy Flesh from bread, thy Blood from wine. Alleluia ...
With oil anoint me, O my King.
Of thee forever will I sing. Alleluia ...
Mercy and goodness fill my days
then home with thee — all shall be praise. Alleluia ...
Words: Copyright © 2007 by Vincent Uher
Tune: Laßt uns erfreuen
