“O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee,” ELW 818 and LBW 492
1 O Master, let me walk with you
in lowly paths of service true;
tell me your secret; help me bear
the strain of toil, the fret of care.
2 Help me the slow of heart to move
by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the way ward feet to stay,
and guide them in the homeward stay.
3 Teach me your patience; share with me
a closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
in trust that triumphs over wrong.
4 In hope that sends a shining ray
far down the future's broad'ning way,
in peace that only you can give;
with you, O Master, let me live.
Devotion
Washington Gladden worked as an editorial writer, editor and pastor. This hymn reflects his life-long passion for social justice issues and concern about his fellow man. But it also fits the texts we have read this week in that it urges all Christians to be concerned for others and their needs. Service for and in behalf of others soon brings us to our knees in prayer for help and we pray, "Help me bear the strain of care."
Gladden was probably inspired by the long struggle of William Wilberforce against the evil of slavery. Both spent a lifetime struggling against the ills of society. Gladden's hymn is a personal plea for divine aid in reaching out to the "slow of heart" and those "wayward feet" looking toward a hopeful, shining future, strengthened by God's peace.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, help us to see both the forest and the trees, the big problems and the individuals, with the compassion of our Savior. "With thee, O Master, let me live." Amen.