Lead on O King Eternal, ELW 805
1 Lead on O King eternal!
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
your tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation
your grace has made us strong;
Lead on O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.
2 Lead on O King eternal,
till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
and Holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace;
for not with swords loud clashing,
nor roll of stirring drums,
but deeds of love and mercy
the heavenly kingdom comes.
3 Lead on O King eternal:
we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning
where e’re your face appears.
Your cross is lifted o’er us;
we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might.
Devotion
Lead on, O King eternal: we follow not with fears, for gladness breaks like morning wherever your face appears. Your cross is lifted over us; we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest; lead on O God of might.
Unlike the very contemporary music that closes off each session at an ELCA National Youth Gathering these days, nearly fifty years ago, each session concluded with the singing of this hymn. The intent was that, as the words were sung, the youth might remember who was to lead them through all the seasons of life.
As we begin to transition from Epiphany (a season of light) to Lent (a season of reflection and repentance), we do so knowing the same cross that led so many out of a youth gathering, so many years ago, continues to lead us.
Prayer
O Lord of all seasons; May we follow you not with fear, but with trust and hope. As our eyes are focused on the cross, may our lives be focused on you and your eternal will. So lead on, O King Eternal, we follow not in fear. Amen