Take My Hand

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I am walking in the darkness:
All around me is the night.
I am groping in the shadows,
And I cannot see the light.
Every sunbeam has departed;
There is gloom throughout the land.
I am fainting by the wayside --
Heavenly Father, take my hand.

Oh, the paths are rough and thorny,
That my weary feet have trod.
I am bleeding -- I am dying,
Take me by the hand, O God!
Let my gloomy way be lighted,
By the glory of Thy face!
And thy broad and mighty bosom,
Let it be my resting place.

Through this awful night of sorrow,
Father, let me hear thy voice.
Teach me how to sing in anguish --
How to suffer, and rejoice.
Take me by the hand, and guide me,
Lead me in the better way.
Through this vale of storm, and tempest,
To the land of perfect day.

Strengthen me for every contest:
Let my prayer be not in vain.
I would bless thee in my sorrow --
I would glory in my pain.
Make my spirit white, for heaven!
Let my soul be purified
In the blood that flowed so freely,
From the wound in Jesus' side.

Gird my soul, oh God, for battle!
I am weak, O make me strong.
Do not let my courage falter,
Though the strife be fierce, and long.
And upon Thy hand, my Father,
Let me keep a clinging hold,
Till I cross the pearly portal,
To the city built of gold.

1869.