William Williams (1717–1791), often called the Sweet Singer of Wales, was one of the most influential Welsh hymn writers of the 18th century.
A key figure in the Welsh Methodist revival, he penned over 800 hymns in Welsh and English.
His works were filled with biblical richness, emotional strength, and spiritual guidance, earning him a lasting place in Christian music history.
About the Song
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah is a beloved Christian hymn that portrays the spiritual voyage of a believer through life, with God as their guide.
Inspired by the Israelites’ voyage through the wilderness, the lyrics draw parallels to personal faith, dependence, and divine provision.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1745 |
| Writer | William Williams |
| Translator | Peter Williams |
| Notable Recordings | Charlotte Church, Bryn Terfel, Royal Wedding Performance |
Complete Lyrics of Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Verse 1
Guide me O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Verse 2
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.
Verse 3
Lord, I trust Thy mighty power,
Wondrous are Thy works of might;
Thou hast saved and freed helpless sinners,
“It is finished” ends our night:
Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer,
Sin, and Satan and the grave,
Sin, and Satan and the grave.
Verse 4
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
Verse 5
Thinking on my Glorious Savior,
Thinking on my heav’nly home,
Fills my soul with hungry longings:
Come, my Jesus, quickly come;
Vanity is all I see;
Lord, I long to be with Thee!
Lord, I long to be with Thee!
Similar Songs Like Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Love singing Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah? You’ll be glad to know there are several other hymns just as rich:
- Abide with Me: A hymn of comfort and assurance, especially in times of fear or loss. It reminds us of God’s presence through every change.
- It Is Well with My Soul: This is an emotional hymn written after personal tragedy. It expresses peace and trust in God, even during life’s hardest moments.
- Rock of Ages: A powerful hymn about finding refuge in God’s mercy. Its lyrics reflect on the cross, forgiveness, and never-ending salvation.
Similar Artists Like William Williams
Here are some Christian hymn writers from the 18th and 19th centuries whose work continues to shape worship music. Like Williams, they focused on faith, devotion, and biblical truth:
- John Newton
Genre: Christian Hymns / Sacred Music
Top albums: Amazing Grace: Hymns of John Newton (1995), Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (1990 collection), Olney Hymns (originally published in 1779) - Horatio Spafford
Genre: Hymn Writing / Devotional Songs
Top albums: It Is Well With My Soul (Various Artists, 1876), Songs of Peace and Trust (2001 compilation), Hymns of Comfort (2010) - Fanny J. Crosby
Genre: Gospel / Christian Hymns
Top albums: Blessed Assurance: Hymns of Fanny Crosby (1993), To God Be the Glory (1875), Safe in the Arms of Jesus (1868) - Isaac Watts
Genre: Sacred Hymnody / Christian Worship
Top albums: Joy to the World and Other Hymns (1990 collection), Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts (1719), When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Various, 1800s–2000s) - Charles Wesley
Genre: Methodist Hymns / Christian Music
Top albums: And Can It Be (1740), Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (1743), Love Divine: Hymns of Charles Wesley (1994 tribute collection)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tune is Used For Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah?
The hymn is most often sung to the Welsh tune Cwm Rhondda, composed by John Hughes in 1907.
Has Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Used at Any Events?
Yes, it was sung at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 and at the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.
