Lead Me, Guide Me
Lead me, guide me along the way
The hymn expresses the Lutheran conviction that God actively guides believers through life's journey, reflecting confidence in divine providence and pastoral care. It embodies the Christian understanding of discipleship as following Christ's leading through faith.
History & Background
Composed by Doris M. Akers in 1953, this hymn emerged from the African American gospel and spiritual tradition. It was published and has become widely used in Lutheran and ecumenical worship.
Doris M. Akers (b. Brookfield, MO, 1922) wrote both text and Scripture References tune of this African American gospel hymn in 1953 in Oakland, ref. = Ps. 5:8 California. The text is an earnest plea for an intimate walk with Luke 1:79 God, who is asked to lead, guide, and protect the believer. The st. 2 = Ps. 23:3 deeply personal stanzas emphasize that divine guidance is essential because of our lack of strength, our blindness, and Satan’s temptations. Only God can lead us on the narrow path and through all the complexities and challenges of earthly life. Like many of the psalms, this text pours out in prayer the yearning of the individual Christian, a prayer that reminds us of these words of the psalmist: Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness; make thy way plain before my face. For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only that makest me dwell in safety. —Psalm 4:8; 5:8 (KJV) as set to music by Samuel S. Wesley (PHH206) Akers had an active career as singer, choir director, and songwriter. She wrote her first song at age ten and since that time has composed more than three hundred gospel songs and hymns, most of which were published by Manna Music (including “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place”). She resides in Columbus, Ohio.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 462
- Chalice Hymnal — 444
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 768
- Glory to God — 740
- Lutheran Service Book — 721
- New Century Hymnal — 593
- Psalter Hymnal — 544
- United Methodist Hymnal — 255
- With One Voice — 723
Liturgical Use
Many occasions of worship, especially those in which personal testimony and prayer for divine guidance are appropriate.
Bulletin Note
Composed by Doris M. Akers in 1953, this African American spiritual hymn has become an ecumenical treasure, expressing the deep Lutheran conviction that God actively shepherds believers through life's complexities with grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's promise of divine care by transforming the Law's exposure of human helplessness and uncertainty into a joyful petition for Christ-centered discipleship.
Themes
Divine guidance Trust in God's providence Pilgrimage of faith Seeking direction Reliance on God