HYMN FOR PENTECOST 10 GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
- Gracia Grindal
- 34 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Welsh: Arglwydd, arwain trwy’r
Exodus 13,16-17;
Text: William Williams (1717-1791) Tune: John Hughes (1873-1932)
1. Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
Feed me till I want no more.
Feed me till I want no more.
2. Open thou the crystal fountain
Whence the healing stream shall flow;
Let the fiery, 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 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 of praises, songs of praises
I will ever give to thee.
I will ever give to thee.
Tr. Peter Williams (1722-1796)
MEDITATION
This very popular hymn appears frequently in festivals in Wales and wherever there are Welsh people. Because my eyes are a bit blurred after my transplant, I am once again repeating an old blog which uses this great hymn for its center. Here are some events where the hymn has been used.
This hymn has been sung at grand public events in Britain for some time, like the funeral of Queen Mother Elizabeth.
It was a key hymn at the memorial service for Diana in 2007. Not surprisingly it was
sung at both Prince William’s and Prince Harry’s weddings. The many textures of their experience with the hymn are overwhelming to feel as we watch them during these various ceremonies.
The hymn uses the imagery of the Exodus pilgrimage to describe the Christian’s daily journey forward. Led by a pillar of fire and a cloud, the pilgrims received bread from heaven. As Jesus feeds the 5,000 they also receive bread from heaven. Jesus himself is the bread from heaven which we also receive at the Lord's Supper. He feeds us and through his body inhabits us. He guides us until we stand on the verge of Jordan, waiting to be brought over to Canaan.
The hymn helps us pray for the Lord to guide us in our pilgrimage through the wilderness to the promised land. On the way, as we sing, we connect with the Exodus and Jesus. And also our ownmemories of times in which we received the Bread from Heaven. These memories gather up in us and flood over us; every moment, whether sweet or tragic, and are present all at once as is clear from the use of the hymn by the British royals. As we grow older, there are more and more such moments; they go deeper and deeper. No wonder sometimes we can barely sing.
HYMN INFO
Written by Wales greatest hymn writer, William Williams, this became something of a national anthem for the Welsh. Williams, who was ordained a deacon in the Anglican Church, was refused ordination as a priest because his theology had moved toward Methodism and its revivals. He suffered for this the rest of his life.
Translated into English by Peter Williams, also involved with Methodism, the version has been sung boisterously at Rugby matches, in addition to many solemn and national celebrations or memorials. The tune by John Hughes has been the favored one. Other texts also are associated with it, but this one takes special place. Cwm Rhondda, the name of the tune, meaning the Valley of Rhonndda, is the name of a place in Wales. It is a central hymn for the Welsh hymn festivals called Gymanfa Ganu, especially on March 1, St. David's Day, the patron saint of Wales.
LINKS
Diana’s memorial service 2007
Kate and William’s wedding
Massive choir/congregation
Michael Ball at Wembley
Swansea choir
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