Take My Hand and Lead Me - Shenandoah Christian Music Camp

7,017 views • Nov 20, 2024

Description

"Take My Hand and Lead Me" composed by Friedrich Silcher, arr. Larry Nickel. Sung at the 17th Annual Choral Festival 2024 of Shenandoah Christian Music Camp (VA). Conducted by Wendell Nisly.
https://www.musiccamp.info/

The Historic Faith · Hymn Companion

Take My Hand and Lead Me

Words by Julie Katharina von Hausmann (German original); English translator varies by versionMusic by Friedrich SilcherWritten 1862 (text); 1842 (tune)Tune SO NIMM DENN MEINE HÄNDE

Take Thou my hand, O Father,
And lead Thou me,
Until my journey endeth
Eternally.
Alone I would not wander
One single day;
Be Thou my true Companion
And with me stay.

O cover with Thy mercy
My poor, weak heart!
Let every thought rebellious
From me depart.
Permit Thy child to linger
Here at Thy feet
And blindly trust Thy goodness
With faith complete.

Though oft Thy power but faintly
May stir my soul,
With Thee, my Light in darkness,
I reach the goal.
Take then my hand, O Father,
And lead Thou me,
Until my journey endeth
Eternally.

Read the full lyrics on hymnary.org

Story Behind the Song

The hymn began as the German text “So nimm denn meine Hände” by Baltic German poet Julie Katharina von Hausmann, first published in 1862 in Gustav Knak’s collection Maiblumen. It became closely associated with a melody by Friedrich Silcher and is especially beloved in German Lutheran and Pietist traditions. A sentimental story connecting the poem with the death of Hausmann’s missionary fiancé is often repeated, but hymnological sources generally treat that account as unverified.

Scripture

Found In

Lutheran Service Book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Lutheran Book of Worship, Evangelisches Gesangbuch