The Lord My Pasture Shall Prepare
SATB a cappella. Another gem from colonial composer Billings that's tons of fun to sing. Rhythm alternates between 2 and 3.
Tune: Cross Street.
Editorial notes by Thomas Gibbs included.
The Lord my pasture shall prepare, and feed me with a shepherd's care;
his presence shall my wants supply, and guard me with a watchful eye;
My noonday walk he shall attend, and all my midnight hours defend.
When in the sultry glebe I faint, or on the thirsty mountain pant,
to fertile vales and dewy meads, my weary wand'ring steps he leads,
where peaceful rivers, soft and slow, amid the verdant landscapes flow.
Though in the paths of death I tread, with gloomy horrors overspread,
my steadfast heart shall fear no ill, for thou, O Lord, art with me still;
thy friendly crook shall give me aid, and guide me through the dreadful shade.
Though in a bare and rugged way, through devious lonely wilds I stray,
thy bounty shall my pains beguile; the barren wilderness shall smile,
with sudden greens and herbage crown'd and streams shall murmur all around.