The Lord my pasture shall prepare

Today is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, commonly known as "Good Shepherd Sunday."

The text of this famous hymn (to some) is a metrical setting of the words of Psalm 23 and were written by Joseph Addison (1672-1719). He was educated at the Charterhouse, and at Magdalen College, Oxford, graduating B.A. 1691 and M.A. 1693. Although intended for the Church, he gave himself to the study of law and politics.

The tune, which is known by the name, "Surrey" was composed by Henry Carey (1685-1743), a London based musician.

The score is attached below, as well as a drawing of Carey and a painting of Addison.

The first phrases of the hymn serve as introduction, and the complete text is as follows:

The Lord my pasture shall prepare,
And feed me with a shepherd's care;
His presence shall my wants supply,
And guard me with a watchful eye;
My noonday walks he shall attend,
And all my midnight hours defend.

When in the sultry glebe I faint,
Or on the thirsty mountain pant,
To fertile vales and dewy meads
My weary wandering steps he leads,
Where peaceful rivers, soft and slow,
Amid the verdant landscape flow.

Though in a bare and rugged way
Through devious lonely wilds I stray,
Thy bounty shall my pains beguile;
The barren wilderness shall smile
With sudden greens and herbage crowned,
And streams shall murmur all around.

Though in the paths of death I tread,
With gloomy horrors overspread,
My steadfast heart shall fear no ill,
For thou, 0 Lord, art with me still:
Thy friendly staff shall give me aid,
And guide me through the dreadful shade.