Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Black History Month: Lead Me, O Lord, Lead Me!

Many of my congregation's favorite hymns are appropriate for Lent. This one is no exception.

Check out this recording of "Lead Me, Guide Me" by Doris Akers. Doris wrote the text and tune, and sings all three parts on the recording.


The early part of Lent is more about our struggle and spiritual warfare with the evils of this world, as it kicks off with the Temptation of Our Lord. We ask God in this hymn to lead us through our times of trial just as we pray in the Our Father, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." A modern rendering of this text is "Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil."

Lead me, guide me along life's way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee;
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

Here's a few members of the world-renowned Kentucky State University Concert Choir hanging out in their hotel room while on tour. They decided to record this video of Lead Me, Guide Me in their downtime. The kids can sing!

You can find the complete text in Lutheran Service Book, #721.


This song can be used to supplement other hymns, say, during the offering as a solo or choral piece, or perhaps as a closing hymn, as we ask God to lead us throughout the week.