Lead, Kindly Light

Text:  John H. Newman  1833
Music:  John B. Dykes  1865
Tune:  Lux Benigna  10.4.10.4.10.10
OHT Incipit:  51233 21616 51712

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 power hath blessed me, sure it will,
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!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

The Ames Hymn Collection

MIDI sequence copyright © 2002 Brian M. Ames.

accesses. Updated 5/25/02

 This page copyright © 1999 Brian M. Ames All rights reserved.