Lyrics
Verse 1
If I ask for things that I should not ask for
If I pray for things selfishly
If I ask for myself and not for my neighbor
Take this veil from my eyes and let me see
Chorus
"Not my will, but Thine be done, " prayed Jesus
May this same prayer be mine every day
When this robe of flesh that I wear makes me falter
Guide my steps, hold my hand all the way
Verse 2
When my pathway is dark and my heart is so weary
If I seek for an easier way
If I worry because my load gets so heavy
Make me willing to walk in thy way.
Chorus (Repeat)
"Not my will, but Thine be done, " prayed Jesus
May this same prayer be mine every day
When this robe of flesh that I wear makes me falter
Guide my steps, hold my hand all the way
Outro
Guide my steps, hold my hand all the way
The way
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Not My Will” by Tribute Quartet is a prayer of surrender in the tradition of Southern gospel. It begins by confessing asking for things that should not be asked, praying selfishly, and asking for self and not the neighbor, then asks God to take the veil from the eyes so the singer can see.
The chorus quotes Jesus: “Not my will, but Thine be done.” This recalls Luke 22:42, the prayer in Gethsemane, and the song asks that the same prayer be the singer’s own every day. The singer also admits that this robe of flesh makes him falter, and asks God to guide his steps and hold his hand all the way.
The second verse speaks of a dark pathway and a weary heart, of seeking an easier way and worrying under a heavy load. The request is to be made willing to walk in God’s way. It is a humble, simple prayer.
Related Scripture
- Luke 22:42 Not my will, but yours be done
- James 4:3 Asking with wrong motives
- Psalm 37:23 The Lord establishes the steps of the one who delights in Him