We come to the rock star of our hymns this week. A tune that has been recorded by a dizzying array of artists fairly consistently since 1941.   Everyone from Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, Harry Connick Jr., Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Lawrence Welk, The Fray and Eric Clapton have recorded and performed it – and many more! What is it about this one that has made it so popular?

An old gospel song, it is said to have its roots in the southern African-American church and in the field singing of slaves. Although possibly originating prior to the American Civil War, the version we’re probably most familiar with is the one from the 1940s when it was first recorded. There is no known author of the text, although a few people have added and adjusted the lyrics over the years.

This is a very personal prayer. A song filled with the desire to be carried by something beyond our own strength. Filled with an acknowledgement of our weakness, our burdens, and our need for support.

I am weak, but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long As I walk,
let me walk close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom’s shore, to Thy shore.

Maybe that’s why it has been so popular. I suppose we all struggle with the inability to manage everything. We all live in a world filled with toil and snares – things that derail our plans and best intentions. We all have moments that feel like our lives are feeble. These insecurities and challenges are common and even the most successful of us face them.   The specifics of whom we look to as a supportive walking partner may vary, but we’re all looking. My wish is that you find that partner – be they earthly or spiritual. Walk closely together.  Guide and be guided gently and safely to the shore on the other side.

Just a closer walk with thee,
grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
daily walking close to thee:
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I’m learning that, for those of us who grew up in the church, there are all sorts of stories that emerge when we think of these hymns. They mean something different to each of us, but it seems that the experience of remembering these tunes or words is something we share. Interesting. I keep coming back to the idea that music can serve as a means of unifying us despite our differences, and this sharing of memories, both precious and amusing, is sort of encouraging to me.

Why amusing? Well, this week’s hymn was given to me by an aunt who shared another childhood memory. I found it quite funny, but maybe one has to have the benefit of being in the same situation to fully appreciate it! She wrote, ” I can still hear the older ladies in my childhood church singing at the tops of their voices to hit the high notes. The range did not discourage them from singing as loud as they could!” Funny because I have certainly been in the situation of hearing people belt out a high note out of sheer enthusiasm – and with little concern for whether the note could actually be reached. There is a temptation to cringe. But, there is also a big part of me that admires those who sing with complete abandon because they believe in the words or simply love singing.

The text of this hymn was written by Gerhard Tersteegen in the early 1700s. He was raised in the Reformed Church in Germany, but left the church to pursue his own spirituality as a mystic and leader of a small group of “awakened souls” that were devoted to meditation and translation of the works of earlier mystics and quietists. The words of the first verse bring to mind the transcendent experience of singing with abandon. Of being committed to one’s truth regardless of the conventions or trends surrounding us – kind of how Tersteegen lived his spiritual life.

O pow’r of love, all else transcending,
In Jesus present evermore,
I worship Thee, in homage bending,
Thy name to honor and adore.
Yea, let my soul, in deep devotion,
Bathe in love’s mighty boundless ocean.

Bathe in love’s mighty, boundless ocean. Wow. To find my soul in that space sort of diminishes any requirement to worry about hitting a high note. Although, it also kind of requires me to seek out the best high note possible. A powerful image inspiring both courageous confidence and the pursuit of excellence. Singing at the top of our voices, whether an older lady or not, is an honour and a gift. It sort of means we’ve really committed to whatever it is that grounds us; settled in to wherever we find love’s boundless ocean. So, regardless of what form your voice takes, sing.

This week brings me to a special hymn because it was given to me by my father-in-law as a favourite filled with memories and life-long meaning. I don’t think he will mind me sharing his story, and it once again reminds me of how long-lasting the impact of some of these hymns can be. He recalls that as a child he observed his grandfather baptizing people outdoors and as each person emerged from the water, those gathered would sing a verse of this song. What an image. Rising from the waters of this spiritual rite and hearing your community singing in support of your faith.

When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

I was so struck by the image of a young boy observing an elder family member practice his faith in a very real and meaningful way. This child, looking upon a spiritual leader, grew into a man who holds the memory of this demonstration dear in his heart. More than 60 years later it was still powerful enough to share. I think there is a lesson in this for all of us. We have little idea of what long-term impact our behaviour and actions have on the children around us. We can’t see into the future how an afternoon’s memory will carry someone throughout their life. We can’t predict which demonstration of our beliefs and values will be the thing that sustains through challenges or perhaps, prepares one for being the sustainer.

But we never can prove
The delights of his love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor he shows,
For the joy he bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

When I sat down to work on this hymn, I found myself reflecting on both the simplicity and depth of this childhood experience. But I also heard a kind of flying. Sailing up from the waters and representing a life guided firmly by one’s values; carried carefully by one’s faith. I understand that this means something different to each of us, but our ability to sow the seeds of memory that may grow into life-long sustenance requires us all to find and stand on solid ground. My hope is that this song will remind you of someone who gave you that kind of experience as a child. Or, perhaps, be a reminder that in your actions, small and large, you may be gifting something that 60 years from now will be remembered, shared and treasured.