Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
by James Edmeston · by An Essay on the Church Plain Chant (1782)
Representative text
As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 87 — the newest hymnal carrying it.
Verse 1
Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us O'er the world's tempestuos sea; Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us, For we have no help but thee; Yet possessing Every blessing If our God our Father be.
Verse 2
Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us, All our weakness thou dost know; Thou didst tread this earth before us, Thou didst feel its keenest woe; Lone and dreary, Faint and weary, Through the desert Thoudidst go.
Verse 3
Spirit of our God, descending, Fill our hearts with heavenly joy; Love with every passion blending, Pleasure that can never cloy; Thus provided, Pardoned, guided, Nothing can our peace destroy.