<P> An early metrical version of the psalm in English was made in 1565 by Thomas Sternhold . Other metrical versions to emerge from the Protestant Reformation include those from The Bay Psalm Book (1640) and a version influenced by Sternholm published in the Scottish Psalter (1650). The latter version is still encountered, with modernized spelling, in many Protestant hymns . Other notable metrical versions include those by George Herbert, Philip Sidney, and Isaac Watts . </P> <P> A metrical version of the psalm is traditionally sung to the hymn tune Crimond, generally attributed to Jessie Seymour Irvine . This version, with its opening words "The Lord's My Shepherd", is probably the best - known amongst English - speaking congregations . Other melodies, such as Brother James' Air or Amazing Grace, are also used . Other tunes sometimes used include Belmont, Evan, Martyrdom, Orlington, and Wiltshire . </P> <P> In the 20th century, Psalm 23 became particularly associated with funeral liturgies in the English - speaking world, and films with funeral scenes often depict a graveside recitation of the psalm . Official liturgies of English - speaking churches were slow to adopt this practice, though . The Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England has only Psalms 39 and 90 in its order for the burial of the dead, and in the Episcopal Church in the United States, Psalm 23 was not used for funerals until the 1928 revision of the prayer book . </P> <P> This Psalm is found in the Friday night Maariv service . It is also traditionally sung three times during the third Sabbath meal . </P>

Who wrote the lord is my shepherd i shall not want