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, precious Lord
Lead me home
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
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
Precious Lord, Take My Hand Video
Precious Lord, Take My Hand Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Randy Travis, a well-known American country music singer and songwriter, released his version of the gospel song "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" in 2000. This song has been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley and Mahalia Jackson.
Meaning of the Song
The lyrics to "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" express a deep longing for God's guidance and strength during times of weakness and weariness. The singer acknowledges their own limitations and asks God to lead them through the storms and darkness of life. The words "precious Lord" convey a sense of reverence and respect towards God, recognizing His sovereignty and power.
The song's chorus repeats the plea for God to take the singer's hand and lead them home. This home could refer to heaven or simply a place of peace and rest in this life. Either way, the singer is seeking God's presence and protection.
The verses of the song paint vivid pictures of trials and hardships, such as "the night draws near" and "the darkness appears." These images convey a sense of fear and uncertainty, but the singer finds comfort in the knowledge that God is with them. The final verse speaks of standing at the river, likely a reference to the river Jordan as a metaphor for death. The singer asks God to guide their feet and hold their hand as they cross over to the other side.
Inspiration and Story Behind the Song
The original version of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" was written by Thomas A. Dorsey, a prominent African American gospel songwriter. Dorsey wrote the song in 1932 after experiencing a personal tragedy. He had been on tour as a musician when he received a telegram informing him that his wife had died during childbirth. Overcome with grief, Dorsey struggled to find comfort in his faith.
In his autobiography, Dorsey wrote, "God seemed to have lost his reality...I found myself staring at a blank wall." However, as he sat at his piano, Dorsey began to play a melody that he had been working on. He found himself singing the words, "Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand." In that moment, he felt a renewed sense of God's presence and comfort.
The song became a staple of African American gospel music and was often sung during civil rights marches and protests. Mahalia Jackson, often called the "Queen of Gospel," famously sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.
Biblical References in the Song
The lyrics to "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" draw heavily on biblical imagery and themes. The idea of God leading His people through darkness and danger is a recurring theme in the Bible. Psalm 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
The reference to standing at the river could be a nod to Joshua 3, where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. In verse 8, God commands Joshua to "tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’”
The concept of God holding our hand is also found in Isaiah 41:13, which says, "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Practical Application to Christian Living
The lyrics to "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" offer a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. As Christians, we believe that God is always with us, even in the darkest moments of life. When we feel weak and weary, we can turn to Him for strength and guidance.
The chorus of the song, with its repeated plea for God to take our hand and lead us home, can serve as a reminder of our ultimate destination. As believers, we have the hope of eternal life with God. When we face trials and hardships, we can cling to this hope and trust that God will lead us through to the other side.
The verses of the song also speak to the reality of suffering in this life. As Christians, we are not immune to pain and hardship, but we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us. When we feel like we are standing at the edge of a river, unsure of what lies ahead, we can trust that God will guide us through.
In conclusion, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" is a powerful and timeless song that speaks to the human experience of suffering and the comfort that can be found in faith. Its lyrics draw heavily on biblical imagery and themes, offering a reminder of God's presence and guidance in our lives. As Christians, we can take comfort in knowing that we are never alone and that God is always with us, leading us through the storms of life and ultimately, home.
