The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)

"The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)" by Howard Goodall is one of those rare choral pieces that instantly wraps the listener in a sense of profound peace. While many recognize its gentle, pastoral melody from television, in the choir loft it serves as a deeply moving anthem of trust and surrender. The piece opens with a delicate soprano solo, perfectly capturing the quiet intimacy of the psalmist’s prayer, before the full choir enters to carry the weight of the comforting words.

We often bring this piece out for Communion, where its lyrical flow gives the congregation space for quiet reflection. It is also a beautiful choice for Good Shepherd Sunday or during funeral Masses, where the soaring harmonies through the "valley of the shadow of death" offer genuine consolation. The way the voices build in reassurance—"For you are with me"—reminds us why this text has anchored believers for generations.

Rehearsing this anthem is always an exercise in restraint and blend. The gentle, legato phrasing requires the choir to listen closely to one another, ensuring the transitions between the solo passages and the full tutti sections feel seamless. As the final "for ever" fades into silence, it leaves a lingering sense of hope and rest in the house of the Lord.