Jesus Tender Shepherd Hear Me

This hymn is a night prayer for children.

It was written by Scottish minister's daughter, poet and hymnwriter Mary Lundie Duncan (1814-1840) in 1839 and and first published in 1841.

With meter 8.7.8.7, tunes it is set to include:

EVENING PRAYER - John Stainer, 1808
BROCKLESBURY - by Claribel A Barnard
ST. SYLVESTER (Dykes) by John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876)
DIJON (1842) an old German melody.

Downloads

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PowerPoint slides

Sheet music from several hymn compilations

Examples

Solo child's voice with piano backing - 2nd half of video is instrumental:

Duet with guitar:

Instrumental - backing track:

Lyrics

Traditional

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me,
Bless thy little lamb tonight;
Through the darkness be Thou near me,
Watch my sleep till morning light.

All this day Thy hand has led me,
And I thank Thee for Thy care;
Thou hast clothed me, warmed and fed me,
Listen to my evening prayer.

Let my sins be all forgiven,
Bless the friends I love so well;
Take me, when I die, to heaven,
Happy there with Thee to dwell.

Modern English:

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me,
Bless Your little lamb tonight;
Through the darkness Lord be near me,
Watch my sleep till morning light.

All this day Your hand has led me,
And I thank You for Your care;
You have clothed me, warmed and fed me,
Listen to my evening prayer.

Let my sins be all forgiven,
Bless the friends I love so well;
Take me, when I die, to heaven,
Happy there with You to dwell.