Mass May 2nd - Lyrics "Shelter Me"

COMPOSER’S NOTE These are difficult times for all of us, individually and globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted life as normal and called for acts of corporate and individual heroism in the face of present suffering and an uncertain future. People of faith may be struggling to articulate their belief in an all-good and all-powerful God in this new era. “Shelter Me” -- is my attempt as a church composer to find God’s presence even in these fraught times. Based on the beloved Psalm 23, my paraphrase adapts the psalmist’s sentiments to respond to our present anxieties: 1. Shepherd and sheep, my God and I: to fresh green fields you led my steps in days gone by. You gave me rest by quiet springs and filled my soul with peace your loving presence brings. REFRAIN: O shelter me, O shelter me: The way ahead is dark and difficult to see. O shelter me, O shelter me: All will be well if only you will shelter me. 2. Yet now I tread a diff’rent way; Death dogs my path with stealthy steps from day to day. I cannot find your peaceful place But dwell in dreary darkness, longing for your face. REFRAIN: 3. I will look back in days to come and realize your faithfulness has led me home. Within your house I’ll find my peace, trusting that in your mercy you have sheltered me. REFRAIN: [Copyright 2020. The Jan Michael Joncas Trust. All rights reserved.]