“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Thomas Dorsey
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
When my way groweth drear
Precious Lord, linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me on
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet
Hold my hand
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me on
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I’m weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand, precious Lord
Lead me home
Songwriter: Thomas A. Dorsey
Dear God, we sang this song in church on Sunday. My wife lead the singing and she told be beforehand the background of how this song was written (see the interview with Mr. Dorsey above). It reminded me of the background for “It Is Well With My Soul” (Horatio Spafford). Mr. Dorsey wrote this after he lost his wife, and shortly thereafter his daughter, in childbirth. He was devastated. This song was one way he expressed his pain and his faith.
I’ve had my own times when I’ve been tired, weak, and worn. I’m grateful to not be there now, but I know I’ll be there again. No, tonight, my heart is with a friend who just lost a pregnancy. Her situation is similar to Dorsey”s and anyone else who has suffered the loss of a child or spouse. I’ve been there. I know that pain.
Here’s a good rendition of the song:
Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, please comfort my friend tonight. I know she hurts. I know she still has to go through some medical procedures. I am sorry for her. I know many are. We want to wrap her up and let her know she is loved. Let her know that you love her. Please help her to feel your love through this. Help her to find her shelter and comfort in you. Help her to find you through the pain she is experiencing. Be very real to her.
I pray all of this in your name,
Amen