Precious Lord, Take my Hand

Have you ever been feeling down and heard an old hymn that just spoke to your heart and brought you to tears? I was watching an old television program a couple days ago and the hymn by Thomas A. Dorsey was sung during the show. An old African-American hymn with deep, soulful pleading for God’s help; I was in tears and praying very soon after the character started singing it.

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
When my way grows 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 home
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 home
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Dorsey wrote this song after his wife and child died during childbirth. It’s obvious from the words that his heart was completely broken and he needed the Lord to stand with him.

We’ve all been there, whatever the circumstance, in that dark and lonely place. Searching, crying, needing comfort. Before the Lord found me, these dark times were even harder because I felt I had no where to turn. Like I was lost in a maze loneliness. Oh, but praise the Lord I know now that I can call out to Him whenever I am unsure of the next turn and He will lead me into the light.

Many before us have felt these feelings, as will many more after us. The book of Psalms is full of prayerful songs sung by King David and others when they were feeling lost or afraid. The Apostle Paul shared his fears and prayers in his letters to the Corinthians. Even Jesus cried out to the Father the night before he was crucified and asked for strength.

I encourage you to listen to this song, close your eyes and let your sorrows and worries rise up to God as the prayer is sung and I pray that you too will feel the peace of God fill your soul as you seek Him.

“As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.” Psalm 55:16-17