Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Me

“Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Me” is a gentle and deeply pastoral hymn that has long been cherished as a prayer of trust, especially on the lips of children. Written by Mary Lundie Duncan, the hymn reflects a simple yet profound confidence in the care and attentiveness of Christ as the Good Shepherd. Its language is tender, direct, and filled with quiet faith, making it especially suitable for family worship, children’s services, and moments of personal devotion.

The hymn is shaped around the biblical image of Christ as the Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and gathers the lambs in His arms. This imagery, drawn from both the Psalms and the Gospels, assures the believer of Christ’s personal care and watchfulness. By addressing Jesus directly, the hymn teaches that prayer is not distant or formal, but relational and trusting. The childlike tone does not diminish its depth, but rather reflects the kind of faith that Jesus Himself commended.

A key theme of the hymn is dependence. The singer acknowledges weakness, vulnerability, and the need for guidance and protection. Christ is presented as gentle rather than harsh, patient rather than demanding. This portrayal has offered comfort to countless believers, especially children, the sick, and the grieving, reminding them that Christ’s care is constant and compassionate.

Theologically, the hymn affirms the accessibility of Christ. Jesus is not reserved for the strong or the mature, but welcomes the smallest and weakest. The hymn echoes Christ’s invitation for children to come to Him and His promise to care for His flock with tenderness. It also reinforces the truth that faith is sustained by trust in Christ’s character rather than confidence in oneself.

“Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Me” has endured across generations because it speaks to a universal human need for safety, love, and guidance. Its simplicity allows it to be easily memorized and sincerely sung, while its biblical foundation gives it lasting strength. In a few gentle lines, the hymn directs the heart to rest in the Shepherd who listens, protects, and faithfully leads His people, both young and old, through every season of life.