PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND

The song writer Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993) has an honored title of 'The Father of Gospel Music'.  At a very early age, long before his music education at the Chicago College of Composition and Arranging, he was playing piano in a Vaudeville act.  After college, he frequented the jazz clubs, gaining quite a reputation as the very talented 'Georgia Tom'.  In 1921, at the age of 22, he gave his life to Jesus and left the jazz clubs and began writing Gospel music. Little by little his reputation grew, not only as a songwriter but as a church music director.   In 1932 while the now Reverend Dorsey was leading a church service, a man came on to the platform to hand him a telegram which said that his wife had just died in childbirth. Within 24 hours his newborn baby also died. Dorsey fell into deep despair, doubting the goodness of God and determining never to write another hymn.  A week later, sitting alone at a piano he suddenly felt a special peace such as he had never known before. He suddenly felt the urge to play the piano. His fingers found a familiar melody and the words to Precious Lord, Take My Hand began to well up from his heart.  God had given him a song that would not only lift him from despair, but would also change the course of his music career.  This hymn has been translated into more than 40 languages, has been sung by some of the biggest names in Gospel music, including Mahalia Jackson and Elvis Presley, and it was Dr. Martin Luther King's favorite hymn.  As I traced the story of Dorsey and this hymn, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses.  "I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, 'Fear not; I will help thee." (Isaiah 41:13).  I don't know what your situation or circumstances may be this week, but the Lord is there to take your hand and lead you through the dark valley and the storm.  As you recognize your weakness, may you experience the strength and great peace which He alone can give you.

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, Let me stand

I'm 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

Take my hand precious Lord, 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 precious Lord, lead me home

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 

Listen to it here.    LISTEN