The King of Love my Shepherd is
Staff Notation • Hymns, Communion Hymns, Burial / Funeral Hymns
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The King of Love my Shepherd is by John Bacchus Dykes — Lyrics
About The King of Love my Shepherd is
When we sing "The King of Love my Shepherd is," we are stepping into one of the most comforting texts in our choral repertoire. This gentle setting takes the familiar words of Psalm 23 and wraps them in a melody that feels both grounded and deeply reassuring. As a choir, singing this piece is an exercise in tenderness—the flowing lines require us to blend smoothly and breathe together, carrying the congregation through the imagery of living waters and verdant pastures.
We often bring this hymn out during Communion, where its quiet confidence gives the faithful a moment to reflect on God's guiding hand. It also finds a natural home at funerals or during the Lenten season, offering solace with lines like "In death's dark vale I fear no ill." The harmony supports the text beautifully, moving from the quiet vulnerability of a wandering soul to the joyful certainty of being brought home on the Shepherd's shoulder.
What makes this arrangement so moving is how it builds a sense of unwavering trust verse by verse. By the time we reach the final stanza, asking to sing God's praise within His house forever, the music has already settled our hearts. It is a wonderful reminder for both the singers in the loft and the people in the pews that we are constantly watched over and deeply loved.