I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
I want Jesus to walk with me, all along my pilgrim journey
A deeply personal spiritual asking for Jesus's presence in trials, sorrow, and death. The repeated request to walk with me expresses the fundamental desire for Emmanuel — God with us — especially in suffering. The spiritual tradition gives it an honesty and rawness rare in other hymn traditions.
History & Background
An African American spiritual of unknown authorship. One of the great spirituals expressing the desire for Christ's companionship through suffering. The three stanzas ask Jesus to walk with the singer in trials, in sorrow, and at death.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 325
Bulletin Note
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me — African American spiritual
Preaching Connection
The desire for Christ's presence in suffering — Emmanuel as companion.
Themes
Spiritual Presence of Christ Suffering Companionship