“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

Life brings moments of joy, happiness, pain, loneliness, despair, and loss. Living in this world is full of trials and tribulation. Full of pain and suffering bring our broken heart to God and can draw us closer to God. That’s why C.S. Lewis once likened pain to a megaphone through which God speaks loudly to awaken us. It is through these experiences of pain that our souls are purified, humbling our hearts and inspiring the creation of hymns that resonate with the human experience.

Thomas A. Dorsey was no exception. Behind this beautiful and comforting hymn, Precious Lord, Take My Hand lies the story of Dorsey’s struggles and sorrows. Dorsey recounts the circumstances surrounding the creation of his most famous hymn:

"In 1932, I was 32 years old and recently married. My wife, Nettie, and I lived in a small apartment on Chicago’s Southside. One scorching August afternoon, I had to travel to St. Louis for a prominent revival meeting where I was the featured soloist. Reluctantly, I left Nettie, who was in the last month of her pregnancy with our first child. In the sweltering heat of St. Louis, the audience demanded encore after encore. When I finally took my seat, a messenger delivered a telegram with devastating news: 'YOUR WIFE JUST DIED.' When I returned home, I discovered that Nettie had given birth to a baby boy, only to lose him that same night. Overwhelmed with grief and joy, I buried Nettie and our son together in a single casket. I was shattered. Days passed as I secluded myself, feeling betrayed by God. I had no desire to serve Him or compose gospel songs. Seeking solace, I visited my friend, Professor Frye. We entered a music room where I sat at a piano, letting my fingers move across the keys. Suddenly, a new melody emerged, and I found myself softly singing, 'Blessed Lord, blessed Lord, blessed Lord.' Professor Frye suggested changing it to 'Precious Lord,' and thus, the song was born. Since then, it has reached countless people worldwide, offering solace in times of tragedy."

The song "Precious Lord" holds a special place in our hearts for its comforting and prayerful lyrics. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., deeply inspired by the hymn, often referenced it. It was sung at the Memphis rally the night before his assassination and performed at his funeral. In his final moments, King requested, "Make sure you play 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord' tonight. Play it beautifully."

Pastor Seok-Hwan

REFLECTION AND PRAYER:

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Take My Hand Precious Lord

Precious Lord, take my hand

Lead me on, let me stand

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn

Through the storm, through the night

Lead me on through the light

Take my hand, precious Lord

And lead me home

When my way grows dreary

Precious Lord, lead me near

When my life is almost gone

At the river I will stand

Guide my feet, hold my hand

Take my hand, precious Lord

And lead me home

When the darkness appears

And the night draws near,

And the day is past and gone,

At the river I stand,

Guide my feet, hold my hand:

Take my hand, precious Lord,

And lead me home.

Lyrics: Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1899 –1993)

Music: Thomas Andrew Dorsey