SAVIOUR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US

We do not know for sure who wrote "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us." It was unsigned when it first appeared in Dorothy Ann Thrupp's (1779-1847) collection, Hymns for the Young, in 1836. It was the custom of Miss Thrupp to not sign her hymns or poems, usually initialing them "D.A.T". or using a pseudonym, "Iota". However, this one had neither. She may have forgotten to initial it, or else it came from a different source. The tune we sing today was written by William Bradbury expressly for this text and appeared in his Sunday School collection, Oriola, 1859. Like many classic hymns this one was originally intended for children. And that is easy to understand because the message is so simple - we are like helpless sheep in need of a shepherd. Our dependence upon the Good Shepherd is what enables us to get through life every day. He loves us, He receives us, He cares for us, He leads us, and He prepares us. How favored we are as sheep to have Him as our Shepherd. And that is why we can say with the hymn writer, Blessed Jesus!

1 Saviour, like a shepherd lead us,

Much we need Thy tender care;

In Thy pleasant pastures feed us;

For our use Thy folds prepare:

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

2 Thou hast promised to receive us,

Poor and sinful though we be;

Thou hast mercy to relieve us,

Grace to cleanse, and power to free:

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Let us early turn to Thee.

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Let us early turn to Thee.

3 Early let us seek Thy favour,

Early let us learn Thy will;

Do Thou, Lord, our only Saviour,

With Thy love our bosoms fill:

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast loved us, -- love us still.

Blessèd Jesus! Blessèd Jesus!

Thou hast loved us, -- love us still.

Listen to this beautiful hymn here. LISTEN