The Lord My Faithful Shepherd Is
The Lord my faithful Shepherd is
This hymn expresses the comforting Lutheran emphasis on Christ as the Good Shepherd who provides for and protects His flock through faith. It reinforces the doctrine of divine providence and pastoral care central to Lutheran understanding of Christian life.
History & Background
Baker's hymn was published in 1861 as a paraphrase of Psalm 23, drawing heavily on the traditional psalm text. It became popular in English-speaking Protestant worship throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Bulletin Note
Written by Henry Baker in 1861, this Common Meter hymn draws from Psalm 23 and the Johannine shepherd passages. It embodies Lutheran confidence in God's providential care through Word and Sacrament.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Gospel proclamation of Christ as our Good Shepherd by transforming the hearer's identity from anxious wanderer into a beloved member of His flock, grounded in the doctrine of divine providence.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From conviction of sin and burden (Law) to confidence in Christ's hearing and answering (Gospel) to assurance of complete provision (Gospel) to commitment in pilgrimage (Gospel)
Themes
Christ as Shepherd Divine care and protection Trust in God's providence Psalm 23 paraphrase