HYMNS FROM HOME: I AM JESUS LITTLE LAMB W/SAVIOR LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US

​PRAY
Lord, we like sheep are vulnerable and scared in these uncertain times, but we know that you will provide us with everything we need and we take comfort that you know each and every one of us by name.

LYRICS
​

I Am Jesus Little Lamb

I am Jesus' little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same,
Even calls me by my name.

Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd's lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast,
There within His arms to rest.

Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Savior, 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.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow'r to free:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.

​Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
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.

SCRIPTURE
​Psalm 23 & John 21:15

BACKGROUND

"I Am Jesus Little Lamb" was written in the middle of the 18th Century by Henriette Louise von Hayn, and all accounts point to her having composed both the lyric and the music.  In addition to being a gifted hymn writer, von Hayn was also a teacher at a girls school and later became tasked with taking care of the "invalid sisters" in the Moravian community of which she was part.

The writer of the lyrics of "Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Me" is unknown although it's earliest publication was in a songbook called "Hymns for the Young."  The tune however, BRADBURY, was composed by William Bradbury expressly to accompany this particular set of lyrics.  In addition to being an organist, educator, church musician and purveyor of pianos (jointly with his brother, Bradbury is best remembered for penning the classic sacred childrens' song, "Jesus Loves Me."

​PERSONAL

The topic of sheep and shepherds comes up often in Scripture both in narrative and analogy or parable terms, but I've pondered the concept of us being the Lord's lamb much more after becoming a mother: partly because one of my daughter's favorite books is "Found," an adaptation of Psalm 23 written for children by Sally Lloyd Jones, and partly because I'm now learning to care for my own little one, tending her needs and watching her grow.

When I was little, my mom would sing a song to me called "I Am Jesus Little Lamb" that she had learned in Lutheran school as a child.  And now as part of her newfound role as a grandmother, she has passed it along to my Clare (who has embraced it with gusto.)  As I pondered which songs to include in this project, "Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Me" came to mind as it has also always been a favorite, so it seemed fitting to combine these for this second day of Hymns From Home...and of course having my own "little lamb" make a cameo made it all the more special.  I hope she brings joy to your hearts and that you will remember our good shepherd that is caring for each of us and calling us by name even, nay especially, in the midst of crisis.  ​