Many good things were said in church today, but my thoughts keep returning to the opening hymn in Sacrament meeting (one of my favorites):
Lead, Kindly Light
Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom;
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene--one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now,
Lead thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years.
So long thy pow'r hath blessed me, sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone.
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
I am always touched when we sing this song. I can really identify with being prideful, with wanting to choose and see the pathway ahead. Yet it is so hopeful, so faith-affirming. I want to be able to look back sometime and say that those things are in my past! Perhaps I should start singing this song weekly...
14 comments:
I truly love this song. And it is a reminder I could use weekly, too.
I like this song, too--
I am constantly amazed with how powerful music (especially hymns) are for me...I have had the most amazing spiritual experiences through song...Although I don't posess the singing voice that you and Susan have, I still love to sing...it's my favorite form of worship...
This is one I'm not super familiar with but really like.
Also, it's very cool that the primary kids are learning the 1st and 3rd verses to How Firm A Foundation this year for the program. We were working on verse 3 today and it really touched me to sing these words.
"Fear not, I am with thee, oh be not dismayed. For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand. Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."
I too, love this song! It brings fond memories of my sweet Mother and Denise. I'll now remember you as well when I hear this song.
Beautiful lyrics and tune.
this is my favorite song. it rings so true to my life. i love it in spanish, too- i even used it as a lullaby for kellen!
oh my this is BAD, I don't recall this hymn, and I am the official pianist for Relief Society....ohhhhh, (going on 1 month almost/filled in for the last 3 months or so, but now it is different). I am trying to get reaquainted with hymns again...and learn new ones, I haven't really touched a piano, since I left home for college, and that was.......... A LONG TIME AGO!
Well I love this hymn and always have, but now it has a special, poignant place for me because we sang it at Lola's funeral. Sometime's it's a little painful, sometime's sweet, but I still love it.
graveside service, whatever!
I love this hymn! (We sung it yesterday in RS.) My home ward sang it the Sunday before I went back to school last year (aka the Emotional Disaster January), and I just couldn't take it. Thankfully now, though, I can sing it and truly appreciate the words without completely breaking down. It really is a beautiful hymn--I love the message, and I can especially relate to the pride of wanting to see your whole path. I love the message of allowing the Lord to light your way--it fits perfectly with my 2009 word!
Well, kindred spirit, this one rings loud and clear for me too.
Just yesterday I was thinking how sometimes I get the most on Sundays out of the hymns I sing, and how grateful I am to be able to participate in worship this way. This is the perfect example of that.
I got your note on Saturday. It was a such a highlight in a very difficult week. I am convinced you were inspired.
I have always loved this song. It usually makes me cry.
I love that song too. We had two talks in two days about music... inspiring.
this is my favorite hymn ever. it makes me sad that we don't sing it very often. when i was choir director for our ward we did it TWICE. it has such a powerful message, i think because it's so personal to each of us. we all can relate to that person. great post.
Thanks Michelle this post is really touching.
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