Guide me, O thou great Jehovah

Some great old hymns capture the 'promised land' metaphor fantastically. I thought I'd use a few.


Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
hold me with thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me till I want no more;
feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
be thou still my strength and shield;
be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee;
I will ever give to thee.


Written originally in Welsh by William Williams (1717-1791) then translated into English with the assistance of his brother, Peter Williams. Williams was a deacon in the Established Church of Wales, and though he served as a curate in two parishes, was never Priested. He became involved in the Revivalist movement as an itinerant preacher throughout Wales for 35 years. He wrote a number of Hymns. 'Guide Me' is famous for being sung by Welsh rugby fans to urge the national team on.