Trinity Hymnal (Rev. ed.) ‎#160

160. Shepherd of Tender Youth

1 Shepherd of tender youth,
guiding in love and truth
through winding ways:
Christ, our triumphant King,
we come your name to sing;
here we our children bring
to shout your praise.

2 You are our holy Lord,
the all-subduing Word,
healer of strife:
you did yourself abase,
that from sin's deep disgrace
your might now save our race,
and give us life.

3 You are the great High Priest,
you have prepared the feast
of heav'nly love:
while in our mortal pain,
none calls on you in vain:
help you do not disdain,
help from above.

4 Forever be our Guide,
our Shepherd and our pride,
our staff and song:
Jesus, O Christ of God,
by your perennial Word,
lead us where you have trod;
make our faith strong.

5 So now and till we die,
sound we your praises high,
and joyful sing:
infants, and the glad throng
who to your church belong,
unite to swell the song
to Christ our King.

Text Information

• First Line: Shepherd of tender youth
• Title: Shepherd of Tender Youth
• Attributed to: Clement of Alexandria (ca. 200)
• Translator: Henry M. Dexter (1846; alt. 1990, mod.)
• Meter: 6.6.4.6.6.6.4.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1990
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 40:11
• Topic: Jesus Christ: The Only Mediator and Redeemer; Christ: Praise of; Christ: Shepherd; Christian Education; Church: Children of; Family Worship

Tune Information

• Name: KECK
• Composer: Ronald Alan Matthews (1985)
• Meter: 6.6.4.6.6.6.4.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: Tune © 1990 by RAM Music Publications. Used by permission.