Words of Reflection
During our Lenten journey, Saturdays will be somewhat different from the other days of the week. On Saturdays we will sit with an instrumental version of a beloved hymn and take time to ponder the meaning of its lyrics. Only a brief word about the history of the hymn will serve as an introduction, and then after our Scripture reading you are invited to read the lyrics slowly and prayerfully while you listen to the instrumental rendition.
Today’s hymn is based on a poem called “The Pillar of the Cloud” that was written in 1833 by the British theologian John Henry Newman. As a young Anglican priest, Newman was on a tour of the Mediterranean when he was struck down with a horrible fever and was unable to travel for three weeks. He became desperately homesick for England, and when he was finally able to travel it did not go as hoped. The boat on which he had booked passage home became stuck in the Strait of Bonifacio, becalmed and unmoveable for an entire week, and it was during that week that Newman wrote “The Pillar of the Cloud.”
The poem was adapted into the hymn “Lead Kindly Light” about 12 years after it was written, and it quickly became popular in the Church of England. Born of illness, weariness, a longing for home, and a difficult journey, the words speak comfort and strength to those who wrestle with challenges and delays. Though we might be lost for a season, Newman’s words remind us that God’s power, which has never forsaken us, will lead us on and lead us home. These are good words for us to reflect on as we make our way to Jerusalem.
Scripture for Meditation:
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.
—Psalm 25:4-7 (NRSV)
Song: Lead Kindly Light
Time of Contemplation:
Read through the lyrics of this hymn slowly and prayerfully. Read them more than once, and pay attention to the movement of your soul as you pray. What words or phrases grab your attention? Why? As you finish, sit in prayerful silence before God and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you something of your need and God’s provision that emerges from these words.
Lead kindly Light amid the encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on
The night is dark and I am far from home
Lead Thou me on
Keep Thou my feet I do not ask to see
The distant scene one step enough for meI was not ever thus nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on
I loved to choose and see my path but now
Lead Thou me on
I loved the garish day and spite of fears
Pride ruled my will remember not past yearsSo long Thy power has blest me sure it still
Will lead me on
O'er moor and fen o'er crag and torrent till
The night is gone
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since and lost awhile
Charles Henry Purday | John Henry Newman
Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain