I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go
Today’s song is often used by missionaries, but it can also apply to our daily lives. If we take the time to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and ‘go and do’ the things we are instructed our lives will be greatly blessed.
“I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” was published in 1899 and has been popular with Christians ever since.
Although the text was written by a Baptist named Mary Brown (1856–1918), many people mistake the hymn as one of Latter-day Saint origin because of its missionary focus. “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” is often sung at missionary farewells and expresses a desire to serve the Lord wherever and whenever.
Shortly after receiving Brown’s text, Carrie E. Rounsefell (1861–1930) composed the music using an instrument called a zither. Rounsefell was known as a singing evangelist throughout New England and New York.
I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go (Lyrics)
It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle’s front
My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I’ll go where you want me to go.
(Chorus)
I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I’ll be what you want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand’rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide,
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet:
I’ll say what you want me to say.
(Chorus)
There’s surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth’s harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life’s short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I’ll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I’ll be what you want me to be.
(Chorus)
I am always open to suggestions for songs to be used, as well as other suggestions you might have for the blog. If you would rather not share that info in the comments, you may email your suggestions.
I read your post and looked up "zither"--a musical instrument consisting of a flat wooden sound box with numerous strings stretched across it, placed horizontally and played with the fingers and a plectrum. Thanks for making me work to look up the meaning on Sunday, Mary! lol. This is a great article, and I love reading your posts on our beloved hymns. Makes my Sundays that much more spiritual and uplifting. Thanks, Mary!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful harmony here!
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