THE GOOD SHEPHERD
 
Who is like You, O Lord our Redeemer?
You gather all your sheep in the sheep pen,
And feed them with good pasture.
You heal the sick and bind the broken,
You comfort those who mourn and strengthen the weak,
You bring back the outcast and seek the lost.
You protect your sheep from the beasts of the field,
And fill them all with peace and joy.
Who is like You, O Good Shepherd?
You laid down your life for your sheep!
 
You inhabit eternity, O God,
And dwell in a high and lofty place,
And with him who has a contrite and a humble spirit.
You revive the spirit of the humble,
And rekindle the heart of the contrite ones.
Your ear, O Gracious One, is attuned
To the cry of every broken and humble spirit.
You offer deliverance to every repentant sinner.
Lord, You lead your people through the deep.
The Redeemer from everlasting is your name!
 
Our souls no more shall know sorrow;
For You have given us beauty for ashes,
The oil of gladness for mourning.
You have anointed our hearts with the oil of joy,
And adorned our minds with the garments of praise.
To the praise of your glory, O Lord,
You have made us trees of righteousness –
You have clothed us with the garments of salvation,
And covered us with the robe of righteousness.
 
In your love and mercy,
You have redeemed your chosen ones.
You cause righteousness and praise
To spring forth before all nations.
In the greatness of your strength
You defeat your foes;
You trample them in your fury,
You make them drunk in your wrath,
And bring down their strength to the earth.
 
O Mighty One!
The blood of your enemies shall fill the streets
On the day of your vengeance.
He who takes the way of the wicked
Shall know no peace.
Salvation is far from them;
For their sins testify against them.
 
The Lord is clothed with the garments of vengeance.
For his wrath is kindled
Against the sons of disobedience.
He will repay his foes according to their deeds –
Fury and torment shall be their recompense,
Terror and dread shall fall upon the ungodly.
 
But blessed are those who share in the Lord’s sufferings!
They shall receive from Him their share of glory.
For You, O Lord, are good to them.
Blessed be your holy name, my God!
For You give life and breath and all things to everyone.
In You we live and move and have our being.