Shepherd of Tender Youth

Good Shepherd Mosaic in Ravenna, Italy

Image in the Public Domain

Hymn Source = The American Lutheran Hymnal (1930), of the American Lutheran Church (1930-1960)

Words by St. Clement of Alexandria, Theologian and Church Father, in 211 C.E.; translated by the Rev. Henry Martyn Dexter (U.S. Congregationalist) in 1846

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1.  Shepherd of tender youth,

Guiding in love and truth,

Thro’ all their ways:

Christ, our triumphant King,

We come Thy name to sing,

And here our children bring

To join Thy praise.

2. Thou art our holy Lord,

O all-subduing Word,

Healer of strife:

Thou didst Thyself abase,

That from sin’s deep disgrace

Thou mightest save our race,

And give us life.

3.  Ever be near our side,

Our Shepherd and our Guide,

Our joy and Song;

Jesus, Thou Christ of God,

By Thine own staff and rod.

Lead us where Thou has trod,

Our faith make strong.

4.  So now until we die

Sound we Thy praises high

And joyful sing;

Let all the holy throng,

Who to Thy Church belong,

Unite and swell the song

To Christ our King!