You help make Hymnary.org possible. More than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources and encouragement on Hymnary.org in 2025, including you. Every visit affirms the global impact of this ministry.

If Hymnary has been meaningful to you this year, would you take a moment today to help sustain it? A gift of any size—paired with a note of encouragement if you wish—directly supports the server costs, research work and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org
Calvin University
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for your partnership, and may the hope of Advent fill your heart.

757. Gracious Savior, Gentle Shepherd

1 Gracious Savior, gentle Shepherd,
children all are dear to you;
may your loving arms enfold them
in your care their whole life through.
By your tending and protecting
keep them safe in all they do.

2 Tender Shepherd, never leave them,
never let them go astray;
by your warning love directed,
may they walk the narrow way.
Thus direct them, thus defend them
lest they fall an easy prey.

3 By your holy Word instruct them,
fill their minds with heav'nly light;
by your pow'rful grace convince them
always to approve what's right.
Let them feel your yoke is easy,
let them find your burden light.

4 Taught to love the holy praises
which on earth your children sing,
with their lips and hearts, sincerely,
glad thank-off'rings may they bring,
then with all the saints in glory
join to praise their Lord and King.

Text Information
First Line: Gracious Savior, gentle Shepherd
Title: Gracious Savior, Gentle Shepherd
Author: Jane E. Leeson, 1809-1881
Adapter: Jonathan Whittemore, 1802-1860 (alt.)
Meter: 87 87 87
Language: English
Publication Date: 2021
Scripture: ; ; ;
Topic: Home and Education
Copyright: Public Domain
Tune Information
Name: SIEH, HIER BIN ICH
Meter: 87 87 87
Key: a minor or modal
Source: Geistreiches Gesang-Buch, Darmstadt, 1698; Setting: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
Copyright: Public Domain



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.