It is no secret that I love music of all kinds - from folk to heavy rock - but as you age your selection and style of music calms down a bit. Now and then a hymn or song comes along which is used by God to capture your attention and as a result you find the song quite moving. I came across a choir the other week through a friend and it has been one of the most moving pieces for me this year. The choir is the Ukrainian Choir and the song: Precious Lord, take my hand. The song itself is a golden oldie and one which I have sung often myself, even using a loofah sponge as a microphone in the shower. The lyrics however are fantastic and have great meaning, but they are more of a request from the hymns author Thomas A. Dorsey to the Lord. Dorsey wrote the hymn following a tragic event that struck his family.
When we read into that section, we discover that Dorsey and his wife were expecting their first child and as she was nearing birth Thomas had to go up country to sing at a Revival Meeting in which he was the soloist. It was at the break in his singing that a messenger appeared to inform him of the bad news that during the birth, his wife had passed away. The song does have a sad background which was probably the darkest moment of Dorsey’s life, but with the help of God and the people he used as instruments, Dorsey was able to overcome his life’s storm and came out of it all stronger than ever. Not only that, he left us such a great hymn that many people came to love and continue to sing up to the present day.
The particular rendering of the song is by the Ukrainian choir and I found it quite moving. Whilst we are used to music on the move, Precious Lord has the most effect when you stop for a moment in our busy lives just to listen. Be still and know - if you like. There are a few stanzas to the song and it is clear that many unfortunate events in one’s life can be beautifully turned into inspiration by creative musicians. They make use of their God-given talents to convert their sorrows or pains into a wonderful meaning that can be enjoyed by others. What a prayer for us all as we begin a new day.
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
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 light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand, lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home
Songwriter: Thomas A. Dorsey
Tom Bonnar
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