Lead, Kindly Light
Lead Kindly light, amidst th’encircling goom.
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 blest me, sure it still 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, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife in the calm light of everlasting life.
By Saint John Henry Newman
In 1833 Saint John Henry Newman wrote this beautiful poem at a time of trial and suffering in his life. I came upon this poem by grace while searching for a song suited to a presentation on Take up your Cross. Although, I felt not prepared to begin this journey of sharing with others that which I had so much to learn. With God’s grace and love, it was Jesus that lead me on. It was His love that compelled me that day to take on and share with others. In a world where many suffer, how do we journey with the reassurance that God walks with us. It is God and the light of the Holy Spirit that leads us on, if we are ever to accomplish any steps in our journey. He invites us.
God is the light of the world he has shared with his creation. It is by his grace that all beauty and wonders of the world are made beautiful. He gives freely all meadows of beauty and man’s free will to accept his ways. He makes paths emerald and journey’s of hope, without him the thorns that crop in life are insurmountable but with Him the journey is brightly lit. We are made to walk and live in the light of his love. His love awaits to flood the soul like the torrent river. His love awaits to bear the load of our trials and fills us with peace. He makes good of all things. In this we can trust. In this we can believe.
May we offer our trials to Jesus. Gracious, ever-loving Lord, cast out doubt and flood our soul with your light. Light the path of health care professionals and all people, lead their way. Gracious Lord, you seek more than we could ever hope, to love deeper still.
Peace,
Claudia