PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND -- Hymn Lyrics

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:

Refrain
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:

Refrain

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:

Refrain

"Precious Lord, Take My Hand" is a deeply moving and widely beloved gospel hymn that has brought comfort and hope to countless people, particularly during times of struggle and grief. Here’s an in-depth look at the hymn:

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Background and Authorship

• Author: Thomas A. Dorsey (1899–1993), known as the "Father of Gospel Music," wrote the hymn in 1932.
• Inspiration: Dorsey wrote this hymn after the tragic loss of his wife, Nettie Harper, and their newborn son during childbirth. In his profound grief, Dorsey turned to his faith and penned the words of this hymn.
• Significance: The hymn combines the spiritual depth of traditional hymns with the emotional expression of gospel music.

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Themes and Biblical References

The hymn reflects themes of trust, divine guidance, and reliance on God’s strength during difficult times.

Verse 1: Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand

• Key Biblical References:
  • Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee..."
  • Psalm 37:24 (KJV): "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."

This opening verse is a heartfelt plea for God's guidance and strength, especially in moments of weakness.

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Verse 2: When my way grows drear, precious Lord, linger near

• Key Biblical References:
  • Psalm 23:4 (KJV): "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
  • Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV): "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

This verse expresses a deep longing for God’s presence and reassurance in the midst of life’s darkest moments.

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Verse 3: Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light

• Key Biblical References:
  • John 8:12 (KJV): "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
  • Psalm 18:28 (KJV): "For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness."