~Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

       After he was converted, William Williams decided to take all of Wales as his parish.

       And for the next 43 years, Williams traveled 100,000 miles on horseback, preaching and singing the gospel in his native tongue. He became known as the sweet singer of Wales.

       The vivid, symbolic imagery of this text is drawn wholly from the Bible. The general setting is the march of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan. Although the Israelites' sin and unbelief kept them from their destination for 40 years, God provided for their physical needs with a new supply of manna each day.

       Twice during the Hebrews' years of wandering, they became faint because of lack of water. At the command of God, Moses struck a large rock with his wooden staff. Out of it flowed a pure, crystalline stream that preserved their lives. God also continued to guide them with a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.

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Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

(1) Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,

Pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but Thou art mighty-

Hold me with Thy powerful hand:

Bread of heaven, Bread of heavem,

Feed me 'til I want no more,

Feed me 'til I want no more.

(2) Open now the crystal fountain,

Whence the healing stream doth flow;

Let the fire and cloudy pillar

Lead me all my journey through:

Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,

Be Thou still my strength and shield,

Be Thou still my strength and shield.

(3) When I reach the river Jordan,

Bid my anxious fears subside;

Bear me through the swelling current,

Land me safe on Canaan's side:

Songs of praises, songs of praises

I will ever give to Thee,

I will ever give to Thee.