We just lost a wonderful friend from our days at Faith United Methodist in Southaven, MS, Bobby Walters. While posting condolence messages, I saw another post from a friend, urging church worship leaders to consider incorporating older worship songs into services. The post continued that those songs might minister to people for they might be the songs sung at the funeral of a close relative or the songs that were sung the night a man fell to his knees and accepted Jesus. I agree whole-heartedly and also urge worship leaders truly passionate about their calling to study hymns and praise songs far older than the ones referred to in that post.
Forty years ago, we were part of a wonderful Spirit-filled congregation at Faith United Methodist in Southaven, MS. The Holy Spirit moved in remarkable ways, and the prayer times at the end of church were not to be missed, for anointed ministry might continue for hours. It’s a sad mistake to cram a prayer time into the middle of a service, for inevitably, the pastor will be tempted to keep things short. Unfortunately, sometimes Holy Spirit ministry can take a long time, and ten minutes in the midst of a service is like demanding a cow only eat two blades of grass. The agreement at Faith was that whoever was the last one out of the building should lock up.
In addition to Sunday morning services, Faith also had Sunday night services, and the ministry and teaching were wonderful. Sunday night was a time when people could share special music, and it was quite common for several people to do solos. I had been asked to sing at one Sunday night service, and I was busily checking out the accompaniment tape options at the local Christian bookstore. (Notice: tapes, not CDs or MP3 downloads; this is the 1980’s.) But when I prayed, the only title God would give me was the Thomas A. Dorsey song “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” The song is simple and can be sung with or without accompaniment. I argued with the Lord because I wanted to show off, demonstrating my vocal abilities on something more challenging, but He wasn’t budging. So that Sunday night in 1986, when I got up to sing, I introduced the song by explaining that God obviously meant this song for someone in the congregation and that they would know it was for them. I sang; the congregation applauded enthusiastically; and the service eventually ended. That was when the late Nancy Jolley, one of my friends, rushed up to me. Nancy was practically hopping up and down and vibrating with excitement.
“That song was for me!” Nancy exclaimed. Then Nancy explained that she had just returned from her father’s funeral in Illinois and was still grieving. The phrase “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” was the inscription chosen by the family for her father’s tombstone. Nancy went on to say that she had nearly stayed home that Sunday night but felt compelled to come to church. Now Nancy was in tears as she realized that God was already preparing that song just for her.
Since that night in Southaven, MS, I have sung that song several times at funerals, including the funerals of my father-in law and both brothers-in law. I never sing it without being moved.
Thomas Andrew Dorsey is considered the Father of Gospel Music. Dorsey wrote this song upon learning that his wife had just died in childbirth while he was out of town at a meeting. With nowhere else to turn, Dorsey began praying, “Precious Lord, take my hand,” and God gave him the rest of the song. For a great introduction to Dorsey as well as other Gospel musicians, check out the video “Say Amen, Somebody!”
The song lyrics are as follows:
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
For a wonderful performance of this song, view Mahalia Jackson singing it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as1rsZenwNc
So worship leaders, remember that while you might be thrilled by the latest and greatest Christian hits, ministry means you get yourself out of the way and let God work.
And Walters family-if you see this post, please let this song minister to you.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, as we reach out, please take our hands and lead us to our heavenly homes that You have prepared for us. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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