Scripture Verse

Lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24

Introduction

Words: M. Low­rie Hof­ford, in Joy­ful Lays, ed­it­ed by Ro­bert Low­ry & How­ard Doane (New York & Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: Big­low & Main, 1884), num­ber 146.

Music: Yale W. How­ard Doane, 1884 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Hof­ford (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
W. Howard Doane (1832–1915)

Lyrics

Dear Sav­ior, take my hand in Thine
And lead me every day,
That I may ne­ver take a step
But in the shining way;
I cannot on myself rely,
I cannot walk alone;
O Sav­ior, take my hand in Thine,
And lead me as Thine own.

O Sav­ior, take my hand in Thine,
’Tis oft a weary way;
And I have ne­ver found myself
Sufficient for the day;
Upon Thy help I must rely
My journey to pursue;
O Sav­ior, take my hand in Thine,
And daily strength renew.

O Sav­ior, take my hand in Thine,
Thou only know’st the way;
And Thou canst lead me in the path
That ends in perfect day;
Thy gentle hand will safely guide
My pilgrim feet above,
And thro’ the ev­er­last­ing years
I’ll magnify Thy love.