The Lord My Pasture Shall Prepare
The Lord my pasture shall prepare
This hymn emphasizes God's providential care and pastoral guidance, central to Lutheran theology's doctrine of God's sustaining grace. The text comforts believers with assurance of divine protection through life's journey toward eternal peace.
History & Background
Joseph Addison composed this paraphrase of Psalm 23 for The Spectator in 1712, and it was published in his collected works. The hymn represents an 18th-century English adaptation of the beloved psalm for congregational singing.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Hymnal 1982 — 663
- Lutheran Worship — 370
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 368
Bulletin Note
Written by Joseph Addison in 1712, this hymn paraphrases Psalm 23 with Reformation confidence in God's providence. Its enduring power lies in rendering the psalmist's ancient comfort in language that speaks directly to the soul facing life's uncertainties.
Preaching Connection
This hymn voices the Gospel's answer to every anxiety: Christ the Shepherd has already prepared the way, already secured our eternal home, transforming fear into childlike trust in God's sustaining grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law convicts of spiritual desolation; Gospel reveals Christ as eternal Comforter through mercy, grace, and sacramental sustenance
Themes
Divine providence Pastoral care Trust in God Eternal life Comfort