1 By the still waters lead me, for I thirst,
And my o’erheated brow I fain would lave;
And oh! permit me, holy Shepherd, first
To see Thy face reflected from the wave
Beside mine own, that so my soul may know
These are the sources whence all healings flow.

2 By the still waters lead me! I am faint
With my long journey through the desert way.
And my white robes have caught an earthly taint
I fain would hide from the revealing day;
But Thou, O Savior! canst these stains efface
In those pure waters where no taint hath place!

3 By the still waters lead me! I have trod
A way both dark and rough, with sorrows strewn;
And to my spirit’s depths have felt the rod.
Nor failed to bless the hand no more unknown;
But now I faint and tire, and long to be
By the still waters, and at rest with Thee.

4 By the still waters! But God’s will be done!
I would not cast the burden He has laid
On heart and flesh, lest, ere my race be run,
I might forget whereon my hope is stayed.
Dear Savior, guide, control me, till I stand
By those still waters in Thine own bright land.