“Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer,” ELW 618
Devotion
Guide me ever, great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your pow'rful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
Open now the crystal fountain
where the healing waters flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong deliv'rer, strong deliv'rer,
shield me with your mighty arm,
shield me with your mighty arm.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will raise forevermore,
I will raise forevermore.
This has been a favorite hymn of mine for a long time—the rousing tune, the stanzas that point toward deliverance and praise, the reminder of the gift that is ours in God's actions of redemption. But most of all I resonate with its asking of God for guidance. Feelings of fear arise when I am contemplating some major decision that will have repercussions in my own life and in the lives of those I am called to serve.
What if I make the wrong decision? What if I am blamed for the failure?
It is in opening myself to God through prayer, meditation and contemplation that I am led and guided to seeing a wider picture and am better able to make the decisions I need to make. Do I still stumble or fail? Sometimes. But more often I discover the outcomes of the decision are even better than I could have imagined. My thoughts then turn to songs and praises as I am reminded that my Great Redeemer will guide me forever and ever.
Prayer
Guide me ever, Great Redeemer. May each of us know your mighty and saving hand as we are cared for through your great love. May the gifts you have given, raise up in us songs of praise and thanksgiving. Amen.