Lead, Kindly Light, by J. H. Newman

This prayer-poem by J. H. Newman, is an alternative to the hymn,
"Lord Jesus Christ, Abide with Us", for Friday, in the Night
Prayer section of the breviary. The poem has a somber tone because
it equates night to the reality of death. But as the poem ends,
it delivers a tone of hope, knowing that beyond death, the poet
shall see a morning filled with smiling angels - a longlast desire
that has been rekindled in the poet's heart.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, with a rhythmic refrain of
"lead Thou me on" - in reference to God as Light.

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.

In the first stanza, the poet prays to God to lead him through the
dark night. Even though he knows he is far from home, he desires
not to hurry, but to take one step at a time - which reveals the
poet's wisdom of being careful in one's stride during the night.

In the second stanza, the poet confesses that he was very self-
willed and full of pride. He chose the path he wished to tread on
but now knows how sinful the path was - since He did not put God
in the picture. In his realization, he asks God not to remember
those past years, but now to lead him where God really wants to
lead him - to the morning where angels smile.

In the third stanza, after the poet's realization of his self-
seeking direction and pride, he feels that the Lord can bless him
and lead him now over all obstacles during the night. And when
this night has gone and the morning arrives, the poet anticipates
the joy of seeing the angels smile - welcoming him back to his
true home where the Light led him.

One lesson we can learn from this poem is to be open to God's
leading us to His Way, Truth, and Life. Often, our self-seeking
direction and our proud attitude of knowing what is best for us,
can make us stumble and fall - for our stubborness and proud self,
blinds us even more during the night. So, whether it is "morning"
or "night", it is always wise to let God lead us - to follow Him
as our Good Shepherd. And He will truly protect us, care for us,
nurture us, and lead us with others to the Light which will grant
us eternal life.