I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb

I am Jesus’ little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same,
Even calls me by my name.

Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd’s lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast,
There within His arms to rest.

Author: Henriette Louise von Hayn

Year: 1778

Original German text "Weil ich Jesu Schaflein bin" written by Moravian hymnwriter Henriette Louise von Hayn (1724-1782) and first published in 1778; the English translation is by an anonymous translator, often dated around 1900-1910 in American hymnals.