Lead, Kindly Light

"Lead, Kindly Light" is the third and final song of David Conte's song cycle Songs of Consolation. The cycle is for soprano and organ.

The audio selection features Heather Clemmens, soprano, and Rodney Gehrke, organ. Used with the permission of the composer.

Date: 1997Composer: David ConteSong Collection: Songs of Consolation

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Text

Lead, Kindly Light

“Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th’encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!
Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.”

Audio

Track:

    Sheet Music

    Songs of Consolation

    Composer(s): David Conte

    Song(s): 1. Prayer of St. Theresa
    2. The God of Love My Shepherd is
    3. Lead, Kindly Light

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