Lead Kindly Light - Traditional

Lead, kindly Light, amid the 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.

Lead Kindly Light lyrics were written by John Henry Newman during a time of physical illness and spiritual crisis. The song emphasizes that the believer does not need to see the distant scene but only 'one step enough for me.' It is known for its exquisite and humble tone. By singing these lyrics the faithful acknowledge their own limitations and find rest in the 'kindly light' of divine providence that leads them through the night toward the dawn.