Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us is a heartfelt plea for Christ’s guidance, mercy, and redemption. The lyrics reflect biblical truths about Jesus as the Good Shepherd, His redeeming love, and the grace that cleanses and frees sinners. This song beautifully expresses the believer’s dependence on Christ, who lovingly leads His people in righteousness.
VERSE 1
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
VERSE 2
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:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
VERSE 3
Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
VERSE 4
Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Hymns for the Living Church
Story Behind the Hymn
In 1836, Dorothy Ann Thrupp, a London-born composer, compiled a collection titled Hymns for the Young, where “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” first appeared without an author’s name. While Thrupp often published works anonymously or under pseudonyms, many attribute this hymn to her due to its inclusion in her collection. [1]
Originally intended for children, the hymn employs the metaphor of Jesus as a shepherd guiding His flock, echoing biblical themes of divine guidance and care. The music, composed by William B. Bradbury in 1859, further popularized the hymn, leading to its enduring presence in Christian worship. [2]
Over time, “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” has transcended its initial audience, resonating with believers of all ages and solidifying its place in hymnals and worship services worldwide. [3]
Christ the Good Shepherd and Redeemer
“Savior, like a shepherd lead us” expresses a plea for Christ’s guidance, reflecting Psalm 23:1-3, where the Lord is described as the Shepherd who leads His people to green pastures and still waters. This line acknowledges human dependence on Jesus, aligning with John 10:11, where Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd.” His leadership is not forceful but tender, ensuring His followers’ care and nourishment.
“Thou hast bought us, Thine we are” emphasizes redemption through Christ’s sacrifice. This echoes 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For you were bought with a price,” affirming believers belong to Christ. The hymn recognizes salvation as an act of divine purchase, reinforcing the biblical truth that Christians are not their own but belong to Jesus.
“Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free” highlights God’s mercy and grace in salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 confirms that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. The song rightly portrays Christ as the source of forgiveness and deliverance from sin.
The hymn maintains biblical accuracy, presenting Christ as Shepherd, Redeemer, and Merciful Savior. It aligns with Scripture, reinforcing foundational Christian truths with theological depth and clarity.
Relevant Bible Verses about Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us Hymn
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NASB
“The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.” Psalm 23:1-3 NASB
“For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 NASB
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us lyrics and music by Dorothy Ann Thrupp , (1836) Public Domain