1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
Source: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal #378
First Line: | I am weak and I need your strength and power |
Title: | Lead Me, Guide Me |
Author: | Doris Akers |
Meter: | Irregular with refrain |
Language: | English |
Refrain First Line: | Lead me, guide me, along the way |
Copyright: | © 1953, Doris M. Akers. All rights administered by Chappell & Co. |
Scripture References:
ref. = Ps. 5:8, Luke 1:79
st. 2 = Ps. 23:3
Doris M. Akers (b. Brookfield, MO, 1922) wrote both text and tune of this African American gospel hymn in 1953 in Oakland, California. The text is an earnest plea for an intimate walk with God, who is asked to lead, guide, and protect the believer. The deeply personal stanzas emphasize that divine guidance is essential because of our lack of strength, our blindness, and Satan's temptations. Only God can lead us on the narrow path and through all the complexities and challenges of earthly life. Like many of the psalms, this text pours out in prayer the yearning of the individual Christian, a prayer that reminds us of these words of the psalmist:
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only
that makest me dwell in safety.-Psalm 4:8; 5:8 (KJV) as set to music by Samuel S. Wesley (PHH 206)
Akers had an active career as singer, choir director, and songwriter. She wrote her first song at age ten and since that time has composed more than three hundred gospel songs and hymns, most of which we republished by Manna Music (including 'There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place"). She resides in Columbus, Ohio.
Liturgical Use:
Many occasions of worship, especially those in which personal testimony and prayer for divine guidance are appropriate.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook