Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us

This song was originally called "Hymn, Written for the Children of the London Orphan Asylum (Air Lewes). The structure (verses for Father, Son and Spirit) make it suitable for Trinity Sunday, and over the years it has sometimes been titled “A Hymn to the Trinity”.

This hymn was written by English Anglican architect and hymn-writer James Edmeston (1791-1867). It was first published in 1821.

With meter 8.7.8.7.8.7, tunes it is set to include:

MANNHEIM by Friedrich Filitz and harmonised by Lowell Mason
DULCE CARMEN, attributed to Michael Haydn

Downloads

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Arranged for voice and guitar with piano accompaniment, 3 pages

Examples

Choir with organ - tune MANNHEIM

Choir with organ, professional recording

Instrumental - organ - tune MANNHEIM

Solo singer, self-accompanied on guitar - tune MANNHEIM

Instrumental, tune DULCE CARMEN

Lyrics

Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
O'er the world's tempestuous sea;
Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
For we have no help but thee;
Yet possessing every blessing
If our God our Father be.

Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us,
All our weakness thou dost know;
Thou didst tread this earth before us,
Thou didst feel its keenest woe;
Self denying, death defying,
Thou to Calvary didst go.

Spirit of our God, descending,
Fill our hearts with heavenly joy;
Love with every passion blending,
Pleasure that can never cloy;
Thus provided, pardoned, guided,
Nothing can our peace destroy.