Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Sunday Morning Devotion: Week 6
Opening Prayer
God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Father too. You have entrusted precious children to my care. Remind me that as much as I love them, you love them even more. I do not own my children but am your steward of them. As such, please help me lead and guide them in a way that draws them close to you. By my lessons and behavior, enable me to faithfully shepherd them into the life of a faithful disciple of Christ. In his name, I pray. Amen.
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
William Williams
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 heaven, Feed me till I want no more,
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey though;
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer, Be thou still my strength and shield,
Be thou still my strength and shield.
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. Amen.
Key Principles from this Hymn
The hymn emphasizes our human weakness and our need for God’s mighty hand to guide and sustain us. As pilgrims in a strange and challenging world, we rely on God’s strength and direction to navigate our journey.
The reference to the “Bread of heaven” symbolizes God’s provision for our needs, both physical and spiritual. Just as God provided manna for the Israelites, he continually sustains us with his grace and truth.
The hymn highlights God’s role as our deliverer and protector. In times of uncertainty, especially when facing life’s ultimate struggles and our deepest fears, we must trust in God’s promise of deliverance and his strength as our shield.
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
In what ways do you feel weak and in need of God’s guidance and strength today?
How have you experienced God’s provision in your life, akin to the “Bread of heaven?”
Can you recall a time when you felt God’s protective hand guiding you through a difficult situation?
What does it mean to you to trust God as your “strong deliverer?”
How does the image of the “fire and cloudy pillar” in the hymn relate to your personal journey of faith?
How do you handle fear and anxiety, and how can the hymn’s message help you in those moments?
What are some practical ways you can express gratitude and sing “songs of praises” to God in your daily life?
Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon
Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 23:1-4: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
John 6:35: Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’
Exodus 13:21: And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
Deuteronomy 31:8: It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Action Steps
Start each day with a prayer asking God to guide and strengthen you, acknowledging your dependence on his mighty hand.
Keep a journal where you note down instances of God’s provision and sustenance in your life, reflecting on specific examples of his continuous care.
Incorporate worship into your daily routine, whether through singing hymns, reading Psalms, or simply expressing gratitude to God for his deliverance and protection. Again, try to be specific in your prayers and praise, and not overly general. This will help you connect what God has done and is doing in your life and better equip you for the future.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Almighty God of heaven and earth, I will sing a new song of praise and thanksgiving to you this day. You are my Maker and my King, and you alone are worthy to be praised. I will rejoice in you for you are good. You take pleasure in your people, and you adorn the humble with salvation. I pray that my greatest desire would be the exultation of your glory. May your praise ever be upon my lips and may I always seek your honor above all pursuits. I thank you gracious God, my heavenly Father, for your tender love and mercy in my life. I will indeed sing a new song of praise and thanksgiving to you this day. In the name of my blessed Redeemer, I pray. Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.
Petition – prayers for yourself
My personal mission field
Help me to identify those people who make up my personal mission field.
Enable me to begin sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know you.
Empower me to disciple those who are young in their faith.
Allow me to encourage those who are struggling in their faith.
Please give me perseverance in all areas of ministry.
Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
Other needs
Intercession – prayers for others
My family
For missionaries throughout the world
For those seeking to faithfully minister to loved ones at home
For those who share the gospel in the inner city
For those who bear witness to Christ in places of power
Other needs
Quotation from Church History
When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head. (Charles Spurgeon)