Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Another day of quiet, Father. Thank You for Your presence and for Your guidance, as I continued getting ready for Sunday. You know our needs. May Karen and Massey’s time with her father be a blessing for them and her father. Amen.

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Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV

Many years ago, when I served as the children’s pastor at a wonderful church in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, we regularly did musicals. The closing line of yesterday’s post – Hand in Hand – was “Precious Lord, take my hand”. That song was in one of the last musicals we did together. I have searched, trying to find it but have been unsuccessful. But it doesn’t make the song any less special.

I knew a little about its origins but did a little online research to learn more.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand, was written by Thomas A. Dorsey (not to be confused with trombonist and big band leader, Tommy Dorsey). Thomas Dorsey grew up in Georgia, the son of a preacher, with many elements contributing to making the man he would become.

As a young man, he became a well-known composer of jazz and blues after moving to Chicago, but over time his Christian roots brought him back to the Lord – and amazingly so. The thing is, he didn’t shun his jazz and blues experiences but began to incorporate those styles in composing gospel music.

Early on in that period of his life, his wife Nettie died giving birth to their first child, a boy. The child died hours later. When she died, he was in St. Louis conducting a convention where musicians could learn gospel blues. He immediately returned home, despondent at losing his beloved wife and their son.

The loss shook him to the very core of his being, but his faith prevailed, and out of this horrific experience Precious Lord, Take My Hand was born.

(For a more inclusive writing of Dorsey’s life and the history behind this hymn, click on this link – History of Hymns: “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”)

Here are the lyrics and also a beautiful modern rendition presented by the Jeremy Winston Chorale.

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand and 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 oh Lord and 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 and lead me home

Once more, precious Lord, take my hand!

Feb 21^st, 2023, Tues, 6:32 pm