SHEPHERD ME, O GOD

Marty Haugen’s "Shepherd me, O God" is one of those rare pieces that immediately quiets the mind and centers the soul. Based on the beloved Psalm 23, the song transforms the familiar scripture into a deeply personal prayer of surrender. When the choir sings the refrain—asking God to lead us "beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life"—it resonates as a profound act of trust.

In our parishes, this setting finds its home in many parts of the liturgy. It serves beautifully as a Responsorial Psalm, but its gentle, flowing melody also makes it a perfect Communion hymn, giving the congregation a moment of quiet reflection as they approach the altar. Because of its reassuring verses about walking through the valley of death and finding comfort in God's presence, choirs frequently sing it during funerals to bring solace to grieving families.

The arrangement moves gracefully between the unison strength of the verses and the warm harmony of the refrain. Singing it requires a gentle touch; the text speaks of quiet waters, healing, and a banquet of love, so the voices should blend smoothly without ever feeling forced. It is a song that reminds us, and everyone listening in the pews, that we are never walking alone.