Shepherd Me, Oh God

This morning's Communion Hymn, based on Psalm 23, was "Shepherd Me, Oh God" by Marty Haugen. It is one of my very favorites. Here are the words, which begin with the refrain:

Refrain:
Shepherd Me, Oh God,
beyond my wants,
beyond my fears,
from death into life...

Verse 1:
God is my shepherd,
so nothing shall I want,
I rest in the meadows
of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters
of peace.

Refrain

Verse 2:
Gently you raise me
and heal my weary soul,
you lead me by pathways
of righteousness and truth,
my spirit shall sing the music
of your name.

Refrain

Verse 3:
Though I should wander
the valley of death,
I fear no evil,
for you are at my side,
your rod and your staff, my comfort
and my hope.

Verse 4:
You have set me a banquet of love
in the face of hatred,
crowning me with love beyond my power
to hold.

Refrain

Verse 5:
Surely your kindness
and mercy follow me
all the days of my life
I will dwell in the house of my God
forever more.

Refrain