Here’s a contemporary hymn to the Good Shepherd based on John 10, the suggested gospel reading for the fourth Sunday after Easter (often called Good Shepherd Sunday). It was written by Christopher Idle.
Prayer
(based on John 10)
Good Shepherd, you know us, you call us by name,
you lead us; we gladly acknowledge your claim.
Your voice has compelled us; we come at your call,
and none you have chosen will finally fall.
Good Shepherd, you warn us of robbers and thieves;
the hireling, the wolf, who destroys and deceives;
all praise for your promise on which we can stand,
that no-one can snatch us from out of your hand.
Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for the sheep;
your love is not fickle, your gift is not cheap.
You spend your life freely, you take it again;
you died, so we live - we are healed by your pain.
At one with the Father, you made yourself known:
'I am the Good Shepherd', at one with your own.
You loved us before we had heeded or heard;
by grace we respond to your life-giving word.
— copyright © Christopher Idle/Jubilate Hymns (admin. Hope Publishing in North America). This is just one of many excellent resources available (free of charge) on The Jubilate Group website.
The hymn is in 11.11.11.11 meter. Try singing it to one of the following tunes:
ST. DENIO (Immortal, invisible, God only wise)
FOUNDATION (How firm a foundation)
GORDON (My Jesus, I love Thee)
AWAY IN A MANGER (if you can look past the Christmas associations!)
Use of this hymn is covered by your CCLI license. If you use it in worship, be sure to report it to CCLI.
For more worship resources for Easter 4 (Good Shepherd Sunday), click on Easter 4 Year A or Easter 4 Year B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. See also Psalm 23 in the same list.
