489. Proper 19 (Series C)

The lessons for this Sunday (Sept. 11-17) are Ezekiel 34:11-24, 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (optional 5-11) and Luke 15:1-10. The tune is SIEH, HIER BIN ICH from Geistreiches Gesangbuch (Darmstadt, 1698). In English-speaking Lutheran circles, it has paired mainly with "Jesus came, the heavens adoring," but also in a smattering of books with "Gracious Savior, gentle Shepherd," "Here behold me, as I cast me," "In His Temple now behold Him," "Souls in heathen darkness lying," "Speed Thy servants, Savior, speed them," "To the name of our salvation" and "Word Supreme, before creation."

Shepherd, gather us and lead us;
Seek us, scattered in the storm.
In abundant pastures feed us;
Give us shelter, safe and warm.
Judge with equity between us;
Bind the broken, heal the torn.

As for you, O flock, contently
Eat and drink what He will give,
With the weaker bearing gently;
Peaceably together live.
To the Shepherd hark intently,
Whose provision you receive.

Bear in mind that He is seeking
Sinners to be turned and saved,
Words of mercy sending, speaking
To the scornful and depraved.
Be not proud, this thought awaking:
Even so your life He craved.

Shepherd, Son of David, guide us
On this dark and cloudy day.
In Your loving bosom hide us,
Leaving us no more a prey;
And at last a home provide us
That will never pass away.